NPGBC - Monthly Theme Commentary - November 2014
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The seven letters written by James, Peter, John and Jude are called the "General Epistles". They are called "general" because their intended audiences are Christians in general rather than specific groups. The General Epistles contain three main themes of faith, love, and hope. They provided instruction to early Christians facing challenges in the Roman Empire such as slavery, favoritism, abuse of the rich and powerful, and religious persecution on how to follow Jesus. The General Epistles also dealt with tensions between personal desires and dependence on God as well as feeling alienated living in a world incompatible with following Jesus.
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NPGBC - Monthly Theme Commentary - November 2014
- 1. NEW PINEY GROVE MONTHLY THEME COMMENTARY
- 2. NOVEMBER The “GENERAL” EPISTLES
- 3. The early Church gave the title “General” (or “Catholic,” meaning universal) to the seven letters written by James, Peter, John and Jude. They are called "general" because their intended audiences are Christians in general rather than specific, designated church congregations or persons as is the case with Paul’s epistles.
- 4. The General Epistles get less attention than Paul’s epistles, but they are a very important part of the Bible, which contains vital information for all Christians. There are three main themes found in these General Epistles: • Faith • Love • Hope
- 5. The General Epistles reflect the essential challenge Christians faced in the Roman Empire. They were an instruction manual on how to follow Jesus in a tough environment. Early Christians faced problems such as slavery, favoritism, and abuse by the rich and powerful. They also dealt with severe religious persecution.
- 6. Like many Christians today they dealt with the tensions between personal desires and dependence on God. They feared that doing things God’s way would put them in conflict with those in authority. They felt a sense of alienation living and working in a world that seemed incompatible with following Jesus.
- 7. JAMES • Faith versus Works 1 PETER • Serving in the World as Resident Alien Priest 2nd PETER • Work and New Creation
- 8. 1st JOHN • Walking in the Light 2nd JOHN • The Life & Work in Christ 3rd JOHN • Rebuke & Correction JUDE • Fight for the Faith
- 9. WHAT CAN WE LEARN 1.We can trust God to provide for us. 2.We must work for the benefit of others in need. God chose the Roman Empire as the place where God would enter human life in the form of Jesus Christ. God is also choosing today’s workplace as a point of His presence.