Category: Biblical Reflections

Jude 12–19 (NKJV) Jude opened his letter with a discussion of apostates and the need to contend for the faith in the last passage. In this passage, he further describes the depths to which these backsliders and false believers stoop. 12 These are spots in your love feasts, while they feast with you without fear, serving … Continue reading Apostates

Jude 1–11 (NKJV) The book of Jude is one chapter long, like 2 John and 3 John. It has more verses, and is deeper theologically than the other two short letters. Jude calls out apostasy and calls the church to a more full walk with God in holiness. 1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and … Continue reading Contend for the Faith

3 John 9–14 (NKJV) John moves from his previous discussion of prosperity and the need for benevolence to this discussion of troublemakers in the church. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds … Continue reading Imitate What is Good

3 John 1–8 (NKJV) John opens his third letter with a greeting to a different audience, namely Gaius. This letter is the only one of John's to identify his intended audience specifically by name. This is similar to the personal letter of Paul to Philemon. 1 The Elder,To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:2 Beloved, … Continue reading Gaius: As Your Soul Prospers

2 John 7–13 (NKJV) John has just opened his letter to the elect lady with an admonition to obey the long-standing commandment to love one another. Now, he moves into a warning against antichrists and deceivers. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the … Continue reading Beware the AntiChrist

2 John 1–6 (NKJV) As John begins this second letter to the elect lady and other believers, he continues to speak of love and build on the concept of holiness as he did in the previous letter. John's first letter spoke specifically of the love of God and one another, and the importance of living … Continue reading To The Elect Lady

1 John 5:14–21 (NKJV) The last passage talked about the great blessing of eternal life that comes from knowing the Son of God. John moves here into the confidence that comes from the relationship with Christ. He then admonishes the readers to shun idol worship. 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, … Continue reading This is Our Confidence

1 John 5:6–13 (NKJV) John spoke in the last passage about love and the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. He now moves to a discussion of the saving, life-giving power of the sacrifice of Christ and our relationship with Him. 6 This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only … Continue reading He Who Has the Son Has Life

1 John 4:17–5:5 (NKJV) In the previous passage, John delivered his pivotal "God is love" discussion, and encouraged believers to love one another, because love is of God. In this passage, John continues his emphasis on love and also begins to lift up the powerful victory found in faith in Jesus Christ. 17 Love has been … Continue reading The Victory That Has Overcome the World

1 John 4:7–16 (NKJV) John has discussed in the last passage the need to avoid sin and to live in righteousness, striving to never sin again. In this passage, John addresses the true mark of Godliness, the love of God. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves … Continue reading Love is of God