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From Hebrews to the General Epistles
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This section of the New Testament begins with the Book of Hebrews and continues through seven “General” or “Catholic” Epistles. In this context, “Catholic” means “universal,” because most of these letters do not have just one church as its audience. These letters present a range of Christian teaching and ethics.
The Sermon of Hebrews
The Book of Hebrews is a complex text that emphasizes the superiority of Christ and the “new covenant” over the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The primary take away is that its audience needs to keep going in faith. In fact, Hebrews 11 is often called the “faith chapter” of the New Testament because of the “Hall of Faith” that it presents.
To support the instruction to endure in faith, Hebrews reassures this church that Jesus has taken care of all their atonement needs. Jesus is our great high priest who has offered the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 4:14-16; 9:11-28). There is no more need for temple or earthly sacrificial system. Jesus paid it all.
The General Epistles
The General Epistles consist at least of James, 1 & 2 Peter, and Jude. 1, 2, and 3 John are also part of this section of the Bible, although they address a specific audience. These letters offer practical teachings for living out the Christian faith.
The Book of James is a practical guide for Christian living, the Proverbs of the New Testament. Traditionally understood to be the half-brother of Jesus, the Epistle of James is a collection of wisdom on the ethical behavior and moral conduct of Christians. It is often noted for its emphasis on the importance of works to go along with faith. James teaches that faith without works is dead, emphasizing the importance of displaying a living faith through good deeds (James 2:14-26). The book also provides wisdom and guidance on handling trials and temptations, the proper use of the tongue, and the call to humility and patience.
1 Peter is a letter written by the Apostle Peter to Christians who were experiencing various forms of persecution. This epistle is filled with hope, as Peter encourages his readers to stand firm in their faith amid suffering. He highlights the living hope that believers have in Jesus Christ and reminds them of their heavenly inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (1 Peter 1:3-4). The letter also contains practical instructions for Christian living, encouraging believers to live holy lives, submit to authority, and follow the example of Christ in enduring suffering.
In 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter writes to warn the early Christian communities about the false teachers and their destructive heresies that were infiltrating the churches. He encourages believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to avoid being led astray by false doctrines. Peter emphasizes the importance of the prophetic word and assures his readers of the certainty of Christ’s second coming, urging them to live godly lives in anticipation of that day.
1 John is a letter written by John the elder to reassure Christians in their faith and to counter false teachings that had seeped into the church. John emphasizes the fundamentals of the faith, including the humanity and divinity of Christ, the importance of loving one another, and the assurance of eternal life for those who believe in Jesus and love their fellow believers. One of the best known verses in 1 John has the statement that “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8)
The second letter of John is a short letter in which John warns the church about deceivers who were spreading false teachings about Jesus Christ. He encourages the church to walk in love and obedience to God’s commandments and not to entertain or support these false teachers in any way.
3 John, another short letter, is written to Gaius, a Christian whom John commends for his hospitality and faithfulness. John contrasts the good conduct of Gaius with the behavior of Diotrephes, who is described as a church leader acting in an autocratic and divisive manner. The letter emphasizes the importance of hospitality, especially to itinerant Christian teachers who were traveling from place to place.
The Book of Jude is a brief letter written by Jude, a brother of James. It is directed to those who are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ. Like 2 Peter, Jude warns the Christian community about false teachers who have crept in unnoticed, leading many astray with their ungodly ways. Jude urges his readers to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints and to keep themselves in the love of God while waiting for the mercy of Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (Jude 3, 21).