Dynamic Studies in the Letters of John and Jude

It is a matter of great import and interest that the Church, as comprised of those who have trusted Jesus Christ, has been under attack since its’ inception. These attacks have most often emanated from without. However, in some instances, they have occurred from within. These attacks, whether from within or without, have been anticipated by the Holy Spirit. The attacks themselves represent every conceivable and some almost inconceivable forms of diversion, division, misdirection, and supposed scholarship.

Fortunately for us, the Holy Spirit has not only anticipated these attacks, but has made provision for believers to successfully overcome them. This power is available not just through the power of the Holy Spirit Himself, but through God’s Word, which He inspired. As we approach the epistles of John we see this brought down to a personal level as we learn from the many situations with which God deals in the text.

Speaking of John, we should remember that he:

1. Was the brother of James.
• See:
• Matthew 4:21.
• Matthew 10:2.
• Mark 1:19.
• Mark 3:17.
• Mark 10:35.

2. Was most likely the younger of the sons of Zebedee and Salome.
• See:
• Matthew 4:21.
• Matthew 27:56.
• Mark 15:40.

3. Was born at Bethsaida.

4. Was a scion of a wealthy family.
• See:
• Mark 1:20.
• Luke 5:3.
• John 19:27.

5. Surprisingly worked as a fisherman.

6. Seems to have been influenced by the teaching of John the Baptist.

7. Heard about Jesus through the ministry of John the Baptist.

8. Became a follower and disciple of Jesus through John the Baptist.
• See John 1:36-37.

9. Returned to fishing for an uncertain period of time after making a decision to follow Jesus.

10. Along with his brother made a permanent decision to attach himself to the person and program of Jesus.
• See:
• Matthew 4:21.
• Luke 5:1-11.

11. Became, along with his brother, known as Boanerges, translated to Sons of Thunder, because of their zeal and intensity of character and purpose.
• See:
• Mark 3:17.
• Matthew 20:20-24.
• Mark 10:35-41.
• Luke 9:49, 54.

12. Became part of Jesus’ innermost circle as evidenced in Scripture.
• See:
• Mark 5:37.
• Mathew 17:1.
• Matthew 26:37.
• Mark 13:3.

13. Was referred to as the disciple Jesus loved.
• See:
• John 19:26.
• John 20:2.
• John 21:7.
• John 21:20.

14. Was the person to whose care Jesus consigned his mother.
• See John 19:26-27

15. Followed Jesus even when others abandoned Him.
• See: John 18:15, 16, 19, 28.

16. Was one of the first disciples to whom Mary gave the news of Jesus’ resurrection.
• See John 20:2.

17. Returned to fishing in the lake of Galilee after Jesus’ resurrection, at which place Jesus revealed himself to John and Peter.
• See: John 21:1, 7.

18. Worked closely with Peter in the development of the group of early believers after the resurrection.
• See:
• Acts 3:1.
• Acts 4:13.

19. Penned, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Gospel most oriented toward helping someone understand and then equipped to follow Jesus Christ.

20. Ultimately penned the last book of the Bible; Revelation.

In the Third Letter of John, we first notice that it is addressed to Gaius. This was not an uncommon name at the time. Therefore, today we are not certain if it was addressed to the Gaius:
• In Macedonia (Acts 19:29).
• In Corinth (Romans 16:23).
• In Derbe (Acts 20:4).
This is the shortest letter which we know of John writing. It appears to be written in order to introduce Gauis to a group of believers with whom he was unfamiliar. These people were traveling to the locale in which Gauis found himself for the purpose of sharing the Gospel. As such, the key concepts in the short missive are those relating to bearing witness. We see this in:
3:John:3.
3:John:6.
3:John 12.

We should see from this that every believer is either by definition helping or hindering God’s truth. As a corollary to this, it appears that every believer has a choice as to whether they will be part of God’s program, plan and solution or part of the problem. God, of course, not only desires positive action and words, but provides the resources for every believer to be part of the solution.
It is my hope that everyone using this material or who otherwise reads the Scriptures in consideration will be blessed by the effort and more thoroughly equipped for life both now and in the future as we see expressed in John 10:10. The NLT says it this way: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”