Study
0 From the Books of John is: The introduction of the Epistles of
John
1
John and the Epistle to the Hebrews are the only two New Testament
letters written anonymously; and in 2 and 3 John, the author merely
introduces himself as 'the elder'. It is clear, however, that the
three Johannine Epistles are by the same person, and there is a very
strong case for saying that it is the same person as the author of
John's Gospel. The evidence of the letters themselves, and the
witness of early Christians, suggest that the writer is the apostle
John. He writes as an eye-witness who has personally known the Lord
(1:1-4; 4:14) . He writes as a teacher with great, indeed, with
apostolic authority (2:8, 17; 3:6; 4:1; 5:20, 21). He writes as a
pastor, with a deep concern both to defend and confirm the faith of
the Church (2:1, 26; 4:1-6; 2 Jn. 9; 3 Jn. 4)
In
the first Epistle, John sets forth three marks of a true knowledge of
God and of fellowship with God. These marks are, first, righteousness
of life, second, brotherly love, and third, faith in Jesus as God
incarnate. Such characteristics distinguish true Christians from
false teachers who, for all their lofty profession and Christian
language, neither believe nor obey the truth.
In
2 and 3 John, the writer deals with the problem of giving hospitality
to visiting Christians. False teachers were abusing the generosity of
Christian people, and some advice was needed to help Christians in
dealing with the situation.
