Studies in 1 John (Introduction: Brief bio of Apostle John)
In addition to devotions, which I hope to write more of, I
wanted to test drive a possible on-line Bible study on the book of 1 John. If
these notes are helpful and you want to receive them, please let me know. If
you have suggestions please let me know. Any feedback is good feedback - I
enjoy any response. Thanks!
Introduction:
It is good and of good profit to always research the background of any author. A study of the author gives us insight into what shaped his thinking and life. In researching John the Apostle's life we can gain more insight when studying the book of John or the shorter letters of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and then the book of Revelation. It is worth our time then to know the background of the Apostle John.
The first interesting item is John was possibly a disciple of John the Baptist before meeting Jesus. (John 1:35-40). John is not specifically mentioned but Andrew, Peter's brother is. John had a habit of not mentioning himself in his writing.
John the Apostle was the Lord's cousin, his mother Salome being Mary's sister (compare Matthew 27:56, Mark 16:1, and John 19:25).
John the Apostle was a faithful disciple of Jesus during His early Judean ministry (John 2:1-4:54). He and the others then returned home, and to their fishing business, where they worked as partners with John's father Zebedee until Jesus came and called them to permanent discipleship (Mark 1:19-20, Luke 5:7, 10).
John the Apostle was a subordinate disciple during Christ's ministry. Reflecting his secondary position as a disciple, John is mentioned after his brother James in each disciple listing (Mark 3:13-16). Matthew 10:2 and Luke 6:14 list Andrew before John. Knowing the brothers' dispositions, Jesus nicknamed both "Boanerges." The Sons of Thunder revealed ambitious, (Mark
10:35-37), and intolerant natures (Luke 9:51-54).
John the Apostle was a classical servant of Christ. Despite his obvious human failings and sins, John enjoyed an affinity of kindred minds with Jesus that led to him being called "the beloved disciple" by others in the group (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2).
John the Apostle was brave as he braved danger by entering the High Priest's residence during Christ's trial (John 18:15).
Early on John had spiritual insight as he believed in Christ's resurrection when in the tomb with Peter (John 20:8-9).
John the Apostle helped preach the Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:7-8).
He accompanied Peter when they healed the lame man (Acts 3:1-10).
He was jailed with Peter (Acts 4:1-3).
John was with Peter when they reported to their brothers (Acts 4:23).
It was Peter and John who were sent by the other apostles to investigate the Samaritan revival (Acts 8:14).
Paul called John a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9). According to tradition, John was a leader/elder/pastor at Ephesus.
The books that John wrote, John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John and Revelation were written by a once Jewish fisherman to predominately Gentile audience. From what I could learn, the majority of the writings of John were composed in Asia Minor. Yet, John's ministry started in Judea ministering and preaching to the Jews as evident by the above scriptures given in the book of Acts. His was a very diverse ministry between the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. John was probably the last of the Apostles and as the map shows us he was a world away from Jerusalem.
John ministered and encouraged the seven churches of Asia.
See map at http://teachinghearts.org/dr0imap7churches.gif
Introduction:
It is good and of good profit to always research the background of any author. A study of the author gives us insight into what shaped his thinking and life. In researching John the Apostle's life we can gain more insight when studying the book of John or the shorter letters of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and then the book of Revelation. It is worth our time then to know the background of the Apostle John.
The first interesting item is John was possibly a disciple of John the Baptist before meeting Jesus. (John 1:35-40). John is not specifically mentioned but Andrew, Peter's brother is. John had a habit of not mentioning himself in his writing.
John the Apostle was the Lord's cousin, his mother Salome being Mary's sister (compare Matthew 27:56, Mark 16:1, and John 19:25).
John the Apostle was a faithful disciple of Jesus during His early Judean ministry (John 2:1-4:54). He and the others then returned home, and to their fishing business, where they worked as partners with John's father Zebedee until Jesus came and called them to permanent discipleship (Mark 1:19-20, Luke 5:7, 10).
John the Apostle was a subordinate disciple during Christ's ministry. Reflecting his secondary position as a disciple, John is mentioned after his brother James in each disciple listing (Mark 3:13-16). Matthew 10:2 and Luke 6:14 list Andrew before John. Knowing the brothers' dispositions, Jesus nicknamed both "Boanerges." The Sons of Thunder revealed ambitious, (Mark
10:35-37), and intolerant natures (Luke 9:51-54).
John the Apostle was a classical servant of Christ. Despite his obvious human failings and sins, John enjoyed an affinity of kindred minds with Jesus that led to him being called "the beloved disciple" by others in the group (John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2).
John the Apostle was brave as he braved danger by entering the High Priest's residence during Christ's trial (John 18:15).
Early on John had spiritual insight as he believed in Christ's resurrection when in the tomb with Peter (John 20:8-9).
John the Apostle helped preach the Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:7-8).
He accompanied Peter when they healed the lame man (Acts 3:1-10).
He was jailed with Peter (Acts 4:1-3).
John was with Peter when they reported to their brothers (Acts 4:23).
It was Peter and John who were sent by the other apostles to investigate the Samaritan revival (Acts 8:14).
Paul called John a pillar of the church (Galatians 2:9). According to tradition, John was a leader/elder/pastor at Ephesus.
The books that John wrote, John, 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John and Revelation were written by a once Jewish fisherman to predominately Gentile audience. From what I could learn, the majority of the writings of John were composed in Asia Minor. Yet, John's ministry started in Judea ministering and preaching to the Jews as evident by the above scriptures given in the book of Acts. His was a very diverse ministry between the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. John was probably the last of the Apostles and as the map shows us he was a world away from Jerusalem.
John ministered and encouraged the seven churches of Asia.
See map at http://teachinghearts.org/dr0imap7churches.gif
These believers of Christ needed encouragement as Roman persecution was at its height. In addition, these Christians needed encouragement to stand against the encroaching false doctrine from within the church. Heresy always starts from within the church. These doctrines were spreading heresy that denied the Lordship of Christ, weakened Christian witness, and lead astray countless souls.
posted by Michael Byrd at 7:03 AM
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