1-3 John

John

Introduction to the Johannine Letters

Text

Author

Genre

Setting and date

John's Epistles and the seven churches of Asia

Literary structure of 1 John

Detailed outline of 1 John

The significance of John's letters

Central burden : God is light (1:1/2:6)

Announcement of authority and purpose (1:1/4)

Main burden of the Epistle : the character of God (1:5)

Implications of God's character for the Christian life (1:6/10)

Appeal to readers in the light of God's character (2:1/6)

Primary commandment : embody the age-old message (2:7/17)

The nature and implications of the message (2:7/11)

Pastoral appeal in view of the message (2:12/17)

Key counsel : remain in His anointing (truth) and receive eternal life (2:18/3:8)

Three considerations informing the counsel to abide (2:18/21)

The truth that abides (2:22/26)

The imperative to abide (2:27/29)

The glory of abiding (3:1/8)

Core teaching : love, works, trust (3:9/4:6)

Summons to love (3:9/18)

Confirmation of love (3:19/24)

Summons to choose (4:1/3)

Confirmation of choice (4:4/6)

Foundational imperative : God's love (4:7/14)

First exhortation to love (4:7/10)

Second exhortation to love (4:11/14)

Illustrative appeal : renewed and expanded invitation to love (4:15/5:15)

Declarative invitation with supporting warrant (4:15/16)

Commendation of love (4:17/21)

Commendation of faith as fides qua creditur (5:1/5)

Commendation of faith as fides quae creditur (5:6/12)

Commendation of the full assurance of eternal life : confident prayer (5:13/15)

Concluding admonition : pastoral counsel, assurance, and warning (5:16/21)

Counsel regarding sinners and sin (5:16/17)

The tie that binds : shared certainties (5:18/20)

Final pastoral appeal (5:21)

2 John

Introduction to 2 John and 3 John

Greeting: John's love in truth (1/3)

John's joy yet concern (4/8)

John's warning (9/11)

John's farewell (12/13)

3 John

Introduction to 3 John

Greeting to Gaius (1/4)

Commendation of Gaius (5/8)

Dealing with Diotrephes (9/10)

Concluding counsel and commendation (11/12)

Farewell (13/15 [13/14b NIV]).