Jude

The writer of this short letter is believed to be the half-brother of Jesus Christ, based on his opening words acknowledging himself as a servant of the Lord and a brother to James. Within his 600-word letter, Jude warned believers of apostasy and false teachers that had crept into the church, and rallied them to stand firm and contend against these proud heretics. He gave a detailed description of these apostates, and urged the believers to defend the faith that is passed down to them, and to deliver those who had been deceived.

OUTLINE OF JUDE

1. Purpose for Writing (v1-4)
2. Description of False Teachers (v5-16)
3. Defense against Apostasy (v17-23)
4. Doxology (v24-25)

3 John

The apostle John spoke of enjoying fellowship with God in his first epistle, then forbade believers to have any fellowship with false teachers in his second, and finally, encouraged fellowship with true believers.

Three persons are mentioned in this letter: Gaius the beloved brother, Diotrephes the trouble-maker and bad example, and Demetrius the model believer. The church is a better place with people like Gaius and Demetrius who displayed brotherly love, hospitality and good testimony. But if personal ambition and agenda gets the upper hand like Diotrephes, we can be sure there will be chaos and conflicts among believers.

OUTLINE OF 3 JOHN

1. Commendation of Gaius (v1-8)
His Character and Charity
2. Condemnation of Diotrephes (v9-11)
His Personality and Pride
3. Compliments on Demetrius (v12)
4. Final Words (v13-14)
 

2 John

This second letter, addressed to an elect lady and her children, might well refer to a local church and its members that John was acquainted with. It has a similar tone to the first letter and warns about the danger of false teachers and doctrines that deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ, particularly Gnosticism that was gaining acceptance and popularity near the turn of the first century.

John did not elaborate much as he did in his first letter, though the brief mentions of the commandment to walk in love and of the antichrist spirit that is in the world, seemed to suggest that his readers were well informed about these things, needing only a short reminder from him.

OUTLINE OF 2 JOHN

1. Love's Salutation (v1-4)
Expression | Praise | Delight
2. Love's Command (v5-11)
Exhortation | Warning and Caution
3. Love's Concern (v12-13)
Face-to-Face | Faith-to-Faith

 

1 John

Perhaps no one is more qualified than the apostle John when it comes to writing about the nature of fellowship. The very basis of all human relations and interactions must be built upon a sound relation with God Himself. This is made possible when Christ came physically to interact with men—for us to hear, to see and to touch—to know for sure that God wants to relate with us.

John brought out three aspects of God that affect the way we fellowship with Him and one another:

1. God is light. Therefore we must walk in the light and not in darkness, confessing and forsaking our sinful ways by refusing to let sin have free reign in our mortal bodies. The proofs of our fellowship in the light are obedience to God, loving one another, being certain of who we are in Christ, and not loving the world and its ways which are contrary to God and His truth. This is living in the light.

1. God is love. This is manifested in our adoption as His children, in which we relate to Him as our Father, and by which we relate to each other and to other people with that same love that He first loved us, without compromising the truth. This is walking in love.

1. God is life. The criteria in relating to God involves faith, love and action in unison (5:1-3). The certainty that we have this relationship with Him is found in a faith that overcomes the world, full assurance of eternal life, total obedience to His will, and eradicating sin and idolatry from our lives. This is purifying in hope.

This epistle is indeed the handbook on true fellowship.

OUTLINE OF 1 JOHN

1. God is Light (1:1-2:29)
Conditions for Fellowship 
a. Reality of Fellowship with God (1:1-4)
b. Walking in the Light (1:5-7)
c. Dealing with the Issue of Sin (1:8-2:2)
d. Obeying the Lord's Command (2:3-6)
e. Loving One Another (2:7-14)
f. Avoiding Lusts and Pride (2:15-17)
g. Resisting the spirit of Antichrist (2:18-29)
2. God is Love (3:1-4:21)
Cautioning on Fellowship 
a. The Manner of God's Love (3:1-3)
b. The Manner of God's Children (3:4-12)
c. The Manner of Love in Action (3:13-24)
d. Discerning the Spirits (4:1-6)
e. Displaying Christ's Love (4:7-21)
3. God is Life (5:1-21)
Characteristics of Fellowship 
a. The Importance of Love (5:1-3)
b. The Importance of Faith (5:4-5)
c. The Importance of Divine Witness (5:6-10)
d. The Importance of Certainty (5:11-13)
Confidence in Fellowship
a. Praying in God's Will (5:14-17)
b. Living in the New Life (5:18-20)
c. Keeping Away from Idolatry (5:21) 

 

2 Peter

While Peter's first epistle dealt with facing adversaries outside the church, his second addressed the issues of enemies within. At the time of writing, Peter was near the end of his life (1:14). Still, he encouraged the believers to maintain purity in doctrine and remain true in the faith.

After the exhortation to grow in godliness and confidence in the Scriptures, Peter cautioned these believers to be wary of false prophets and teachers in their midst, and provided a clear description to help identify who these leaders and teachers were in the following areas:

1. Beliefs – Deny the Lord Jesus Christ
2. Moral conduct – Covetous, gainsaying and immoral
3. End – Swift destruction

Peter continued to sound out another group of enemies within the church: those who mock in unbelief at the second coming of the Lord, and scoff at those who look to Christ's return. He foresaw that this spirit of unbelief will rear its ugly head again in the last days, when many in the churches shall choose to ignore the warning signs and continue to indulge in their own wanton lifestyles.

The remedy to guard against such an attitude of callousness and lustful abandon is to keep on growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto you do well to take heed, as unto a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn and the day star arise in your hearts.

OUTLINE OF 2 PETER

1. Greetings (1:1-2)
2. Fortifying Against False Teachers (1:3-21)
a. Growing in Godliness  (1:3-14)
b. Knowing the Scriptures (1:15-21)
3. Recognizing False Teachers (2:1-22)
a. Recognizing their Ploys (2:1-3)
b. Recognizing their Punishments (2:4-9)
c. Recognizing their Personalities (2:10-22)
4. Overcoming False Teachers (3:1-18)
a. Resisting their Mentality (3:1-7)
b. Awaiting the Lord's Manifestation (3:8-10)
c. Growing in Maturity (3:11-18)

 

1 Peter

Suffering is never a pleasant or welcomed experience, more so in the face of religious persecution as a result of our faith. In his letter, Peter addressed the 'strangers that are scattered' across the Roman empire.

This is an apt description of the saints who were oppressed and persecuted, a reminder that they were but strangers and pilgrims here on earth (2:11), that their real abode was in heaven and therefore should not place their hopes on this world as the ultimate goal in life. The fact that believers have been singled out as objects of persecution clearly proves where our true allegiance and affection should be.

Peter exhorted these early believers not to feel discourage as a result of the trials they were undergoing, but to press on in their heavenly calling even under adverse circumstances. He emphasized the importance of holiness as God's people, chosen to show forth the praise of Him who has called them out from darkness into His marvelous light, and given them a royal and priestly status.

In view of this privileged position, believers are to emulate Christ's example in suffering, living in submission to the will of God, exhibiting a harmonious conduct in public towards those in power and rule, and privately in the family towards spouses and one another. 

Indeed, suffering has its divine purpose for the good of God's people, be it leaders or laymen. For when we faithfully do our part, the reward is sure:

5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away.

OUTLINE OF 1 PETER

1. Salutation and Praise (1:1-5)
2. Salvation – The Believer's Belief (1:6-2:12)
a. The Believer's Life (1:6-25)
b. The Believer's Growth (2:1-8)
c. The Believer's Status (2:9-12)
3. Submission – The Believer's Behavior (2:13-3:12)
a. Towards Authorities (2:13-17)
b. Towards Employers (2:18-25)
c. Towards Spouses (3:1-8)
d. In Every Area of Life (3:9-12)
4. Suffering – The Believer's Buffeting (3:13-5:9)
a. The Believer's Conduct (3:13-17)
b. The Example of Christ (3:18-4:6)
c. The Exhortation to Follow (4:7-19)
d. Response in Suffering (5:1-9)
Elders: Feed and Care for the Flock
Saints : Submit in Humility
5. Benediction (5:10-14)

 

James

The writer of this letter is James, the half-brother of Jesus Whom He made a special appearance after His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:7), the other being Jude who also wrote a short letter bearing his name. Remarkably, James became a leader of the Jerusalem council and was recognized as one of the pillars of the early church, along with Peter and John. Interestingly, the thrusts of their epistles focused on faith (James), hope (Peter), and love (John).

Some early reformers were skeptical of this book in the canon of Scripture; Martin Luther even coined it the 'epistle of straw'! Though the letter of James suffered much misunderstanding and malignity for its apparent emphasis on works in contrast to Paul's stand on justification by faith, diligent students will no doubt detect faint traces of Jesus' teachings resonating from James' words. John Burns of Criswell College pointed out that 'the underlying structure of James' theology is the wisdom of Jesus, as our Lord, the Savior taught it and lived it.'

The book of James is practical in nature and has been regarded by many as the handbook of faith and spirituality in the world and the workplace. One can almost see the veiled reference to Jesus in His exemplary life from every argument, advice and application that James made in his letter.

Indeed, James is not contradicting Paul on salvation by works. Rather, he is stating the fact that a real saving faith is also an active faith—one that is authentic and applicable in every area and aspect of a believer's daily life. His challenge is still as valid and relevant today:

2:18 Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

OUTLINE OF JAMES

1. The Test of Faith (1:1-18)
a. Benefits of Trials (1:1-12)
b. Source of Temptations (1:13-18)
2. The Traits of Faith (1:19-4:17)
a. Swift to Hear (1:19-2:26)
Hearing versus Doing
Partiality versus Integrity
Dead Faith versus Active Faith
b. Slow to Speak (3:1-18)
Faith and the Tongue
Wisdom and the Tongue
c. Slow to Anger (4:1-17)
Replacing Anger with Humility
Replacing Criticism with Justice
3. The Triumph of Faith (5:1-20)
a. Condemnation of the Unjust Rich (5:1-6)
b. Comfort of the Saints in Sufferings (5:7-12)
c. Command to Pray in Faith (5:13-20)

 

Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is remarkable, not only for its beautiful literary prose, flawless theological perspectives, skilled and articulated persuasion, but also in its uniqueness as an epistle unlike the rest, Pauline or otherwise, without claim of author-ship or attribution. While there are postulations to candidates such as Luke, Timothy or even Priscilla, the focus of the book is evidently not on the writer but the readers.

Faced with intense persecutions and excommunication from their communities, many Jewish believers were considering to abandon Christianity and go back to Judaism. With this in mind the writer of Hebrews exhort these believers to stay on course and warned them not to turn away from the faith to return to the old Judaistic system. Parallel comparisons are made to show Christ's superiority over creation, the Law, the Aaronic priesthood, and the old covenant sacrifices.

After stating the supremacy of Christ's Person, the author goes on to elaborate on the superiority of His atoning works in His role as the perfect High Priest and the Mediator of a better covenant by His sinless sacrifice. And because Christ Himself too was in all manner tempted and tested as a Man, He can sympathize with human weaknesses that these early believers and anyone who is facing the trial of faith now.

Faith is so important that without it, no one can please God. The hall of fame on faith lists the names of Old Testament saints who overcame life's trials by their faith and God in turn honored them. These cloud of witnesses should inspire a believer to put aside any besetting sin and instead look to the Author and Finisher of our faith as the greatest Example to emulate in living a life of total dependence on God, because He has given us this sure promise:

13:5 I will never leave you, nor forsake you.

OUTLINE OF HEBREWS

1. The Superiority of Christ (1:1-10:18)

In His Identity (1:1-2:18)
a. Message – Better than the Prophets (1:1-3)
b. Sonship – Better than the Angels  (1:4-14)
c. First Warning: Danger of Neglect (2:1-4)
d. Humanity – A Better Mediator (2:5-18)
In His Administration (3:1-4:13)
a. Achievement – Better than Moses (3:1-4)
b. Appointment – Better than Moses (3:5-6)
c. Second Warning: Danger of Unbelief (3:7-4:13)
In His Priesthood (4:14-7:28)
a. Office – Better than Aaron (4:14-5:10)
b. Third Warning: Danger of Stagnation (5:11-6:20)
c. Order – Better than Aaron (7:1-28)
In His Efficacy (8:1-10:18)
a. A Better Covenant (8:1-13)
b. A Better Tabernacle (9:1-5, 11)
c. A Better Sacrifice (9:6-10, 12-10:18)

2. The Superiority of the Christian Life (10:19-13:25)

Assurance of Faith (10:19-11:40)
a. Faith's Demand (10:19-25)
b. Fourth Warning: Danger of Backsliding (10:26-39)
c. Faith's Definition and Illustrations (11:1-40)
Endurance in Hope (12:1-29)
a. Example of Christ (12:1-4)
b. God's Discipline and Dealing (12:5-24)
c. Fifth Warning: Danger of Rejecting God (12:25-29)
Exhortation to Love (13:1-25)
a. Social Sphere of Life (13:1-6)
b. Ecclesiastical Sphere of Life (13:7-25)

 

The General Epistles

These epistles are a collection of eight letters written by five authors, one of which is anonymous and has been greatly debated by theologians and bible scholars. They are termed 'general' because they were not written to specific churches or individuals but to the church at large, though two of John's short letters were addressed to 'the elect lady' and a person named Gaius, both of which had no clear references as to their real identities.

Formerly these epistles were placed before Paul's writings but were subsequently arranged in the order we see today based on their late dating and recognition, thus:

  1. Hebrews (Perfect works of Christ)
  2. James (Faith)
  3. 1 and 2 Peter (Hope)
  4. 1, 2 and 3 John (Love)

  5. Jude (Perseverance of the Saints)

The fact that this group of letters formed only one-tenth of the New Testament does not negate their importance or relevance; rather, they complemented Paul's epistles by addressing daily challenges and difficulties faced by Christians in the world. Just as the early believers felt out of place living and working in the Roman empire that was aristocratically hostile to their faith, Christians today experience similar tensions when putting into practice their beliefs in a largely atheistic society with many cultures that are steeped in superstitions and traditions.

Two major principles can be observed from these letters: God can be trusted to work in our lives, and in return we too should work towards meeting the felt needs of people around us. And just as God chose to enter human history in the time of Christ and the early disciples, He continues to work out His presence through the lives of His people in different ages.