Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The Second and Third Epistles of John are brief letters found in the New Testament, traditionally attributed to the Apostle John. These epistles are notable for their emphasis on truth, love, and hospitality within the Christian community. Despite their brevity, they offer significant insights into the early Church's challenges and priorities. Authorship and Date: The authorship of both epistles is traditionally ascribed to the Apostle John, also known as "the elder" in these letters. This designation suggests a position of authority and respect within the early Christian community. The writing style and thematic elements closely align with the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John, supporting Johannine authorship. These letters are generally believed to have been written in the late first century A.D., likely between 85 and 95 A.D. Second Epistle of John: Recipients and Purpose: The Second Epistle is addressed to "the elect lady and her children" (2 John 1:1). This phrase is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to a local church and its members, though some suggest it could refer to an actual woman and her family. The purpose of the letter is to encourage adherence to the truth and to warn against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ. Key Themes: 1. Truth and Love: John emphasizes the inseparable nature of truth and love, urging believers to "love one another" (2 John 1:5) and to walk in the truth as commanded by God. 2. Warning Against Deceivers: The epistle warns against those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, labeling them as deceivers and antichrists (2 John 1:7). John instructs the recipients not to welcome or support such individuals, as doing so would share in their wicked work (2 John 1:10-11). Third Epistle of John: Recipients and Purpose: The Third Epistle is addressed to a man named Gaius, a beloved member of the Christian community known for his faithfulness and hospitality. The letter serves to commend Gaius for his support of itinerant missionaries and to address issues related to church leadership and authority. Key Themes: 1. Hospitality and Support for Missionaries: John praises Gaius for his hospitality towards traveling teachers and missionaries, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who work for the truth (3 John 1:5-8). 2. Condemnation of Diotrephes: The letter contrasts Gaius's commendable behavior with that of Diotrephes, a church leader who refuses to acknowledge John's authority and hinders others from showing hospitality (3 John 1:9-10). John warns against such divisive behavior and encourages the community to imitate what is good (3 John 1:11). 3. Commendation of Demetrius: John concludes by commending Demetrius, likely another church leader or missionary, as a man of good reputation and truth (3 John 1:12). Theological Significance: The Second and Third Epistles of John highlight the early Church's struggle to maintain doctrinal purity and communal love amidst external and internal challenges. They underscore the importance of truth, love, and hospitality as foundational Christian virtues. These letters also reflect the early Church's structure, where apostolic authority and local leadership played crucial roles in guiding and nurturing the faith community. Smith's Bible Dictionary the Second and Third Epistles Of JohnThe second epistle is addressed to an individual woman. One who had children, and a sister and nieces, is clearly indicated. According to one interpretation she is "the Lady Electa," to another, "the elect Kyria," to a third, "the elect Lady." The third epistle is addressed to Caius or Gaius. He was probably a convert of St. John, Epist. (3 John 1:4) and a layman of wealth and distinction, Epits. (3 John 1:5) in some city near Ephesus. The object of St. John in writing the second epistle was to warn the lady to whom he wrote against abetting the teaching known as that of Basilides and his followers, by perhaps an undue kindness displayed by her toward the preachers of the false doctrine. The third epistle was written for the purpose of commending to the kindness and hospitality of Caius some Christians who were strangers in the place where he lived. It is probably that these Christians carried this letter with them to Caius as their introduction. Library The Second and Third General Epistles of John The Catholic Epistles. On Bk. Iii. Chap. 24, 17 (Note 18 Continued). The Four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, Thirteen Epistles of ... The Epistles in General The Acts of the Apostles and the Acknowledged Epistles. Rise of the Apostolic Literature. The Order of the Gospels. The Epistles of St. John The Apocalypse of John. Resources The: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics the Epistle of Paul To Philemon the First Epistle General Of John The Kingdom or Church of Christ the Second and Third Epistles Of John Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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