Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts

Sunday

Reading Through The Bible - 2 JOHN








Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is the 
  • shortest of them all by no. of verses
  • joint shortest of them all by no. of chapters (5 books all have only 1)
  • second shortest of them all by no. of words
you can find these comparisons in  The 10 Shortest Books


In fact it only takes 2 mins to read it according to Crossway and their lovely barchart









2nd JOHN  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

24th book of the NT 
63rd book of the Bible



It starts with a greeting that is different from most other epistles.
  in 2 John ch.1 v 1 we read

"The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;"


and quickly takes us to the assurance that this is about truth in the following verse 

"For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever."





What is it?

The Book of 2 JOHN is one of the EPISTLES in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.



How Long is it?

It only has 1 chapter.



When was it Written?

It was written between 95 & 90 AD



Who Wrote it?

John the beloved disciple of Jesus

The name of the letter tells us the writer.
Other letters in the bible are named to show who the recipients of the letters were specifically intended to be but these were letters written by John son of Zebedee and brother of James.
One of the three disciples who Jesus often took with him apart from the others. 



Who was it Written to?

At first glance it would look as if it was a letter written to a specific person "the elect lady" and greeting sent at the end by "the chosen lady" however there are 3 trains of thought about this

  1. the whole church
  2. a specific assembly (church)
  3. a lady

 and I think I go with number 2.





What is it normally well-known for?

Truth & Love are widely quoted and even appear as quickly as the Greeting in verse 3 







continuing to emphasis Love in verse 6





The Overview Bible  tells us the following

"A very brief letter about walking in truth, love and obedience."  


Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"This short, one-chapter book offers great encouragement to walk in the light and love one another even when it is hard"  

 


Why was it Written? 

It was written to encourage and remind the believers not to forget the truth in the doctrine of Christ, the love they should have for one another and to keep the commands of Jesus.

Remembering as stated above that Truth and Love are even presented straight away in the greeting.




The Overview Bible  tells us the following

"He’d told them about truth, love, and obedience—now he writes to tell them what to do about it.

In Second John, the elder (2 Jn 1) briefly explains the relationship between the three:

  • Love and truth. ........ When two parties know the truth, love comes naturally.
  • Truth and obedience. ..... When you know the truth, obedience comes naturally.
  • Obedience and love. ..... A sure sign of obedience to God is love for His church, and a sure sign of love is obedience to God.

He then warns that ........ They should beware of teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus’ human life and who deviate from the things He taught (2 Jn 8–9). Such people are dangerous: the church shouldn’t side with them, shouldn’t invite them in, and shouldn’t participate in their actions (2 Jn 10–11)."  


Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

"1 John was written to combat false teaching ..... in 2 John he is addressing the same issue but not in as much detail."  




Which other books of the Bible is this linked to? 

John wrote three epistles of which this is the second which follows 1st John and is followed by 3rd John  

other books would be


  • The Gospel of John (also written by John)
  • Revelation (also written by John)
  • Jude (also only one chapter long)
  • Philemon (also only one chapter long)
  • Obadiah (also only one chapter long)






  • How does it end?


    With the desire to come and visit in person instead of writing another letter in verse 12

    "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full."



    and another greeting in verse 13 

    "The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen."





    The Overview Bible  gives us this


    Quick outline of 2 John

    1. Walk in truth (1–4)
    2. Love others and obey God (5–6)
    3. Beware false teachers (7–11)
    4. Look forward to a visit (12–13)










    OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE 













    Reading Through The Bible - 1 JOHN






    Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.








    1st JOHN  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

    23rd book of the NT 
    62nd book of the Bible



    It starts with the eternal one - Jesus Christ
      in 1 John ch.1 v 1-3

    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life 
    2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us 
    3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 



    and quickly takes us to the assurance of Salvation in Jesus by verse 9 of that first chapter








    What is it?

    The Book of 1 JOHN is one of the EPISTLES in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.



    How Long is it?

    It has 5 chapters.



    When was it Written?

    It was written between 90 & 95 AD



    Who Wrote it?

    John the beloved disciple of Jesus

    The name of the letter tells us the writer.
    Other letters in the bible are named to show who the recipients of the letters were specifically intended to be but these were letters written by John son of Zebedee and brother of James.
    one of the three disciples who Jesus often took with him apart from the others. 

    Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

    "John wanted people to know that Love is most important.  Love comes from God.  He also wanted people to know that it is important not to listen to false teachers."  

     




    Who was it Written to?

    It was a general letter written to all believers not just those from one nation or city




    What is it normally well-known for?

    Many of the verses about love are widely quoted and memorized such as

    verse 15 of chapter 2



     

    verse 1 of chapter 3




    verse 18 of chapter 3



    verse 8 of chapter 4






    Why was it Written? 

    It was written to encourage and remind the believers of what they have in Jesus and to recognise false teachers.



    The Overview Bible  tells us the following


    "John writes a letter to Christians about keeping Jesus’ commands, loving one another, and important things they should know.

    1. So that he and the church may have joy (1 Jn 1:4)
    2. So that they would not sin (1 Jn 2:1)
    3. Because their sins are forgiven (1 Jn 2:12)
    4. Because they know God the Father (1 Jn 2:13)
    5. Because they know Jesus (1 Jn 2:13)
    6. Because they have overcome the evil one (1 Jn 2:13–14)
    7. Because they are strong (1 Jn 2:14)
    8. Because the word of God abides in them (1 Jn 2:14)
    9. Because they know the truth (1 Jn 2:14)
    10. Because no lie or false teaching can come from the truth (1 Jn 2:21)
    11. Because some would try to deceive them (1 Jn 2:26)
    12. So that they would know they have eternal life (1 Jn 5:13)"



    Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

    "1 John was written to combat false teachings called "Gnosticism".  Gnostics taught that Jesus was a spirit and never really had a body and other errors."





    Which other Epistle teaches about Gnosticism?

    Colossians







    Which other books of the Bible is this linked to? 

    John wrote three epistles of which this is the first and is followed by 2nd John and 3rd John






    How does it end?


    With evidence of how God shows His love for us in chapter 5 v 11

     





    and encouragement in 
    chapter 5 v 14









    Quick outline of 1 John

    Disclaimer: this may be the toughest book of the Bible to outline. With all John’s reasons to write, scholars have a hard time forming an outline from John’s letter. But the central focus of First John seems to be distinguishing the false teachers from children of God, so here’s my take:

    1. The children of God keep His commands (1 Jn 1–3)
    2. The Spirit of God affirms Jesus’ first coming (1 Jn 4:1–6) 
    3. The children of God love one another (1 Jn 4:7–21) 
    4. Things the child of God can know (1 Jn 5)











    OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE 













    Reading Through The Bible - Ephesians









    Some Books of the bible are very short and some are very long but this one is one of the shortest.








    Ephesians  -  NEW TESTAMENT  -  EPISTLE

    10th book of the NT 
    49th book of the Bible



    It starts with a reminder about the redemption & forgiveness we have in Jesus and His grace in
      chapter 1 v 7








    What is it?

    The Book of Ephesians is one of the Epistles in the New Testament which means it is a Letter.



    How Long is it?

    It has 6 chapters.



    When was it Written?

    It is generally thought to have been written between 60 & 62 AD.



    Who Wrote it?

    Apostle Paul

    Chapter 1 v 1 tells us the answer straight away 

    "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God,"





    Who was it Written to?

    It was written to the church at Ephesus as we see in
    ch. 1 v 1
     "To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus"






    Why was it Written? 

    Paul had visited Ephesus twice and this letter was written while he was in Prison to encourage the Christians he had met there and the others in the church.  


    The Overview Bible  tells us the following

    "Paul writes to the church at Ephesus about how to walk in grace, peace, and love."


     


    What is the main theme? 

    It focuses on being called by Grace 






    and how to walk in the Faith





    The Overview Bible  tells us the following:

    "Paul wrote Ephesians to accomplish two things:
    1. Describe the Christian’s calling. The first half of the letter focuses on the Ephesians’ calling. They were chosen by God, sealed with His Spirit, and saved by His grace. 
    2. Prescribe the Christian’s walk. The second half teaches how to “walk in a manner worthy” of the Christian’s calling (Eph 4:1). Paul outlines what the Christian walk looks like in various facets of life."

    Teach Sunday School  tells us the following

    "Paul encouraged the believers telling them they were the adopted sons of God ....  picked before the foundation of the world."
    "Paul encouraged the believers to walk in a manner worthy of their calling."




    What 2 special relationships does Paul teach about in Ephesians?


    Parents & Children.

    Husbands and wives.








    What very well-known passage in included in this Book?

    The Christian Armour in Chapter 6 v 10 - 18

    This is where Paul tells the believers to know their enemy and how to stand against him.

    This ends with the order to Pray continually in
     verse 18








    How does it end?


    It ends with the announcement that Paul has sent Tychicus to comfort them and tell them all the news of Paul.

    and then a Blessing in ch. 6 v 23-24


    23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  
    24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

     

    Quick outline of Ephesians

    1. Our calling in Christ (Eph 1–3)
      • Identity in Christ (Eph 1)
      • Grace in Christ (Eph 2:1–10)
      • Peace in Christ (Eph 2:11–22)
      • Paul’s calling (Eph 3:1–13)
      • Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (Eph 3:14–21)
    2. Our walk in Christ (Eph 4–6)
      • Walk in unity (Eph 4:1–16)
      • Walk differently from the world (Eph 4:17–31)
      • Walk carefully (Eph 5:1–21)
      • Walk in love (Eph 5:22–6:9)
      • Stand firm in the armour of God (Eph 6:10–24)









    OTHER BOOKS OF THE BIBLE ARE ADDED REGULARLY AND AN UPDATED LIST CAN BE FOUND AT OUR READING THE BIBLE PAGE