This week, we will read both of Peter's letters, Jude, and our final Gospel, which is John. Peter wrote the letters we see in the Bible near the end of his life, and 2nd Peter is very similar to Jude's letter. It is generally speculated that they were writing to the same audience, and that Peter's letter was a follow up and reinforcement of Jude's letter. John's Gospel describes the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus as a New Creation, that we may believe Him as the Messiah.
Like Paul and the writer of Hebrews, Peter wrote to instruct and encourage a group of believers. The churches in what is modern day Turkey were experiencing persecution, and Peter wrote to shore up their faith. Peter emphasized the example that Christians should set, especially in the face of persecution. He urged his readers to live in such a way that those who harassed them would be given pause, and maybe come to belief themselves. Regardless, their humble perseverance to serve God despite their circumstances would glorify Him. He then reminded his readers of Christ's own suffering, and that to suffer for Christ is to be blessed. While Peter communicated many of the same ideas as Paul, how is his tone different? Can you hear the difference in their voices when reading in this format as compared to your traditional Bible?
Peter wrote his second letter after learning of his impending execution. Long past his foolish denial of Jesus before the crucifixion, Peter was confident in his faith and ready to face death. To the end, he taught and exhorted his fellow believers to remain strong. He and Jude, another of Jesus's brothers and a fellow church leader, had learned of false teachers who were spreading rumors that Jesus would not return. Throughout time, false teachers have perverted the faith for personal gain. In this case, they used their insistence that Jesus would not return to indulge in sinful behaviors. Peter's response was to describe God's patience, and encourage fellow believers to continue in holy behavior. Jude reminded his readers that they were in spiritual warfare, and he urged them to continue building their faith.
John is by far the most intimate Gospel. Since he described himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved," anything less would call John's credibility into question. Theologians generally believe that Jesus was especially close with John, and this Gospel is evidence. John reads like a novel, full of dialogue and descriptive scenes. While Matthew recorded several of Christ's sermons, John captured His conversations. John structured the book to be a convincing witness to Jews, using the number seven throughout, and he plainly stated that what he wrote was so that readers may believe that Jesus is the Messiah. In addition to that, though, John wrote a love story. His deep adoration for Christ is clear, but he also portrayed Christ's love for us. Through John, Jesus taught us very clearly how to accept salvation. He showed us just how human He is when he wept at His friend's death. In John, He tells us He is our shepherd. And only John transcribed the prayer that Jesus prayed to His Father for us. Can you feel Christ's desire to be in relationship with you when you read this book?
Continue to think about our five book club questions:
1. What's something you noticed for the first time?
2. What questions did you have?
3. Was there anything that bothered you?
4. What did you learn about loving God?
5. What did you learn about loving others?
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