Bib Lit Epistles

What books are in the General Epistles?

Hebrews (disputed), James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, Jude

Other names for the General Epistles?

Open letters, Catholic (Universal) Epistles

Themes of the General Epistles?

Local persecution, church life, ethical living— both as a given for being a Christian and to set examples for non-believers

Hebrews description?

‘sustained argument about the supremacy of Jesus and His salvation’ -Arterbury

Which book mentions Melchizedek as an example of superior priesthood?

Hebrews

What topics are in Hebrews?

Superiority: of Jesus’ message; to angels, Moses, and Joshua; of Jesus’ ministry; of priesthood; of covenant. Exhortation to endurance & faithfulness, call to endurance, examples of faith, dangers of being unfaithful, conclusion.

James description?

Referendum on ethical living; what a Christian should practice. ‘An epistle of straw’ to Martin Luther.

1 Peter description?

Talks about persecution, with two main words of advice.

2 main words of advice from 1 Peter?

Reinforces Christian identity; encourages Christians to adapt to their environment to be better understood & seen by nonbelievers.

How are 2 Peter and Jude connected?

Both about false teachers & maintaining faithful belief/practice; same rare Greek words that appear nowhere else in Scripture.

John’s letters description?

Church body obsessed with Docetism: that Jesus only ‘seemed’ human.

1 John description?

1. How to live ethically. 2. Who Jesus really was— fully God, fully man. 3. The importance of love among believers.

How are 2 and 3 John similar?

Both about the importance of the purity of the fellowship.

2 John description?

Refusing to support false teachers.

3 John description?

Showing hospitality to our teachers/leaders.

Is revelation about the future or the present?

Evidence for both.

Goal of Revelation?

We understand that God is with us in our present struggle, which will cone day culminate in God setting all right.