Revelation

Written towards the end of the first century. Traditionally thought to be by the same author as the fourth gospel, but this is now doubted, and the author is generally referred to as John of Patmos.

In terms of structure, the book is built around four successive groups of seven: the messages to the seven churches, the seven seal judgments, the seven trumpet judgments, and finally, the seven bowl judgments. There are also introductory and concluding passages.

Most of the interpretations fall into one or more of the following categories:

·         Preterist, in which Revelation mostly refers to the events of the apostolic era (1st century)

·         Historicist, which sees in Revelation a broad view of history; the events it described have happened in the past, and will also happen in the future.

·         Futurist, which holds that Revelation describes future events

·         Idealist or symbolic, which holds that Revelation does not refer to actual people or events, but is an allegory of the spiritual path and the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

These approaches are by no means mutually exclusive, and are often used in combination with each other to form a more complete and coherent interpretation.

1

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, sent to the servant John, who bore witness to what he saw. The reader/hearer of the text are blessed; the time is near. Greetings of grace and peace to the seven churches in Asia. Praise to Him who washed us from out sins in His own blood. Behold, he is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Jesus says he is the Alpha and Omega – who is and was and is to come. John is on the island of Patmos. While in the Spirit, he is commanded to write to the seven churches. John has a vision of seven lampstands, in the midst of which is one like the Son of Man. Parallels with Daniel:

Daniel 10:4-6	Revelation 1:12-16
Clothed in linen	Clothed with a garment
Waist girded with gold	Girded about the chest with a golden band
Body was like beryl
Face like . . . lightning	Head and hair were white like wool
Eyes like torches of fire	Eyes like a flame of fire
Feet like burnished bronze	Feet were like fine brass
Sound of his words like the voice of a multitude	Voice as the sound of many waters

He also has seven starts in his right hand, and a two-edged sword coming out of his mouth. John falls on his feet. The man tells him not to be afraid: ‘I am the first and the last…and I have the keys of Hades and of death.’ Explanation: the seven lampstands are the seven churches, and the seven stars the angels of the seven churches.

2

The letters to the seven churches. They are share a similar structure, each featuring

·         An address to a particular congregation

·         An introduction of Jesus (generally ‘Thus says he who…’ followed by an attribute)

·         A statement regarding the condition of the church

·         A verdict from Jesus regarding the condition of the church

·         A command from Jesus to the church

·         A general exhortation to all Christians (‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’)

·         A promise of reward for overcoming.

·         Ephesus: you have perseverance and patience, labouring for My name’s sake. Nonetheless, you have left your first love. Repent, or the lampstand will be removed from its place. You are to be commended for hating the Nicolaitans, however.

·         Smyrna: I know your works, tribulation and poverty (but you are rich). I know the blasphemy of the Jews who are a synagogue of Satan. Be faithful in your trials and imprisonment, and you will receive the crown of life.

·         Pergamos: commended for holding fast to My name, even in the days when Antipas was made a martyr. However, you have also sacrificed to idols, and committed sexual immorality. Some hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Repent, or I will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

·         Thyatira: commended for love, service, faith and patience. Nonetheless, the prophetess Jezebel is permitted to teach idolatry and sexual immorality. Jezebel will be cast into a sickbed, and her followers killed unless they repent.

3

·         Sardis: you have a name for being alive, but you are dead. Hold fast and repent. I will come like a thief in the night. Few in Sardis have not defiled their garments.

·         Philadephia: has been set before an open door, which no one can shut. You have not denied my name. Those persecuting (the synagogue of Satan) will come to worship before their feet. I will keep you from the trial which shall come upon the whole world. I am coming quickly. Overcomers will be a pillar in the temple, and have the name of My God and His city, the New Jerusalem, written on them.

·         Laodicea: neither cold nor hot, and therefore to be vomited out of My mouth. You are rich, and actually wretchedly poor (the opposite of Smryna). Be zealous and repent. I stand at the door and knock.

4

John is called up into heaven. He was in the Spirit, and sees one sat on a throne, like jasper and sardius stone. There is a rainbow around the throne. Twenty-four crowned elders surround the throne, each on a throne of their own. Thunder, lightening and voices proceeded from the throne. Seven lamps burnt before it, which are the seven Spirits of God. The throne also has a sea of glass, like crystal, before it. Around the throne were four creatures, full of eyes at the front and back. One was like a lion, one like a calf, one like a man, and one like an eagle. They each had six wings, and constantly say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’ The elders worship the throne.

5

In the right hand of the one on the throne, there is a scroll with seven seals. An angels asks who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals. Noone was able to open it, so John weeps. However, the elders tell John that the Lion of the tribe of Judag, the Root of David, will open it. John beholds a Lamb, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God. The Lamb takes the scroll, and is worshipped by the four creatures. Countless angels also worship: ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!’ All creation then worships the Father and the Lamb: ‘Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!’

The Lamb opens the seals, whereupon John sees a sequence of visions:

·         one – a white horse, whose rider has a bow and a crown, and is a conqueror

·         two – a red horse, whose rider brings war and conflict, and wields a great sword

·         three – a black horse, whose rider has a pair of scales. A voice says a denarius buys one quart of wheat, or three quarts of barley (apocalyptically expensive)

·         four – a pale horse, whose rider is Death, with power to kill by the sword, hunger and the beasts of the earth.

·         five – martyrs crying for vengeance. They are told to wait a while longer, until those destined for martyrdom complete their number.

·         six – great earthquake; the sun becomes black, the moon red as blood. The stars fall to the earth. The rich and powerless flee, saying to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’

7

Four angels stand at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds. A voice commands them not to harm the earth and sea until the servants of God receive a protective seal on their foreheads. Twelve thousand from each of the tribes are sealed, making a hundred and forty four thousand in all. A great multitude in white robes with palm branches in their hands worship the Father and the Lamb. All heavenly creatures join in. The multitude are those rescued for God’s kingdom in the period of the great tribulation. They serve Him day and night in His temple. They shall hunger and thirst no more, nor shall the sun strike them, but the Lamb will shepherd them to the living fountain of waters. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

8

The seventh seal is opened, and there is silence in heaven. Seven angels are given seven trumpets. Another angel has a golden censer; the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascends before God. The censer is then filled with fire and thrown to earth, where it causes thunder, lightning and earthquakes. The seven trumpets are sounded, each with their own consequences:

·         one – hail and fire mingled with blood; a third of trees and all grass are burned up

·         two – a burning mountain was thrown into the sea; a third of the sea became blood, a third of sea creatures and a third of all ships are destroyed

·         three – a star called Wormwood falls from heaven; a third of the waters become wormwood

·         four – a third of the sun, moon and stars are darkened. Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of earth for the remaining three trumpets! (This is the first ‘woe’)

9

·           five – a star falls from heaven to earth, and is given the key to the bottomless pit. The pit is opened – smoke rises out, and locusts, who torment for five months those who do not have the seal upon their foreheads. Their torment is like that of a scorpion. Men will seek death, but be unable to find it. The scorpions have crows, men’s faces, women’s hair, lion’s teeth, iron breastplates, and tails like scorpions. The sound of their wings is like the sound of chariots. The king of the locusts is the angel of the bottom pit, called Abaddon in Hebrew, and Apollyon in Greek.

·           six – four angels bound at the Euphrates are released to kill a third of mankind. They have an army two million strong, with the heads of lions – they kill by the fire, smoke and brimstone coming from their mouths. They also do harm with their serpents’ tails. Those not killed did not repent of their idolatry and sexual immorality.

10

A mighty angel appears, clothed with a cloud, with a rainbow on his head. His face is like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. He has a little book open in his hand. He sets his left foot on the land, and his right foot on the sea. Seven thunders utter their voices, but John is forbidden to write down what they say. The angel declares that there shall be no more delay. John is instructed to eat the little book – he is told that it will make his stomach bitter, but will be as sweet as honey in his mouth. John is told that he must prophesy about many people, nations, tongues and kings.

11

John is given a measuring rod and told to measure the temple, its altar and its worshippers. (Compare with measuring the temple in Ezekiel 40-43.) The outer court is not to be measured, however, because it has been given to the gentiles, who will tread the holy city underfoot for forty-two months. Two witnesses will prophesy for 1260 days, clothed in sackcloth. (1260 = 3.5 years, according to the Hebrew year of 360 days – exactly half of seven.) They are the two olive trees and lampstands standing before the God of the earth (see Zechariah, chapter 4). If anyone wants to harm them, they will be destroyed by fire proceeding from their mouths. They have the power (like Elijah) to cause drought during the days of their prophecy. They also have the power to turn the waters to blood, and strike the earth with plagues. When they have finished prophesying, the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit will kill them. Their dead bodies will lie in a city that spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt; they will remain unburied for three and a half days (half of seven), and people will rejoice at their deaths. After that, they will revive, ascend to heaven, and then there will be an earthquake that kills seven thousand people, and destroys a tenth of the city. The survivors are afraid and give glory to God. The second woe is a past, but a third is coming quickly. The seventh trumpet sounds, and voices in heaven proclaim that the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. The elders worship God, saying the time has come for Him to reward His servants and destroy those who destroy the earth. The temple of God is opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant is seen in His temple, with lightning, noises, thunder, earthquakes and hail.

12

In heaven appears a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a garland on twelve stars on her head. The woman gives birth. A fiery red dragon appears, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. With its tail, it throws a third of stars to earth. The dragon prepares to devour to child who is about to be born. The child is to rule all nations with a rod of iron, and is caught up to God and his throne. The woman flees to the wilderness, to a place prepared by God, and is fed there for 1260 days. There is war in heaven between Michael and the dragon. Satan (another name for the dragon) and his angels are cast out of heaven. There is rejoicing in heaven, but woe is proclaimed for the inhabitants of the earth, because the devil has arrived in great wrath, knowing he only has a short time. (This is the third woe.) The devil/dragon/serpent persecutes the woman clothed in the sun, but she is given eagle’s wings to fly into the wilderness. The devil/dragon/serpent spews water at the woman, but the earth opens its mouth to receive the flood. Frustrated, the devil/dragon/serpent focus his wrath against God’s people.

13

A beast rises from the sea – it has seven heads and ten horns, and ten crowns on its horns, and a blasphemous name on its heads. The beast was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. (This recalls the beasts, representing earthly empires, that come from the sea in Daniel 7.) The dragon gives the beast a throne, and authority. One head seems mortally wounded, but when it is healed, all the world marvels and follows it. The beast is worshipped, and blasphemes God for forty-two months ( = three and a half years – half of seven). It was granted him to overcome the saints; all those whose names are not written in the Book of Life worship him. However, those who lead into captivity (presumably, the functionaries of the beast) will be led into captivity themselves. A second beast comes from the earth – he has two horns like a lamb and speaks like a dragon. He is a Satanic prophet, leading the earth in the worship of the beast. He performs great signs, making fire come from heaven. He commands those on earth to make an image of the beast, and is granted power to breathe life into the image, which kills all those who do not worship it. Only those with a mark may buy and sell. The number of the beast is 666.

14

The Lamb stands on Mount Zion with the 144,000. A new song is sung, which nobody could learn apart from the 144,000. The 144,000 are virgins, the firstfruits to God and the Lamb, without deceit or fault. An angel tells every nation, tribe, tongue and people to fear and worship God. Another angel announces the fall of Babylon. A third angel warns that those with the mark of the beast on them shall be tormented with fire and brimstone. A voice from heaven says that those who die in the Lord from now on are blessed. John sees a cloud with one like the Son of Man on it, with a sickle in his hand. He reaps the earth. An angel, also with a sickle, gathers the vine of the earth, and throws it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. The winepress is trampled outside of the city.

15

John sees seven angels with seven plagues. Those victorious over the beast stand on a sea on glass, holding harps. They worship with song. Out of the temple come seven angels, clothed in bright linen, with golden bands girding their chests. The four creatures give seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God to the angels, so the temple is filled with smoke from the glory of God and nobody can enter the temple until the seven plagues are completed.

16

A voice from the temple commands the seven angels to pour the bowls of wrath upon the earth. The pouring of each bowl has its own unique consequences:

·         one – a loathsome sore comes on those who have the mark of the beast upon them

·         two – the sea turns to blood, and all living creatures die

·         three – all fresh water is turned to blood. An angel of the waters comments of the righteousness of the Lord, making those who have shed the blood of the saints and the prophets now drink blood.

·         four – the sun scorches men; they blaspheme, and do not repent

·         five – the beast’s kingdom becomes full of darkness. Men blaspheme, and do not repent.

·         six – the Euphrates dries up. Unclean spirits like frogs come from the mouth of the dragon to gather an army at Armageddon.

·         seven – a voice from heaven declares, ‘It is done!’ There is thunder, lightning and earthquakes. The great city is divided into three parts; God gives Babylon the cup of the wine of His fierceness. There is a plague of heavy hail. Men blaspheme.

17

One of the seven angels shows John the great harlot who committed fornication with the kings of the earth. John is carried in the Spirit into the wilderness, where he sees a woman on a scarlet beast which is full of names of blashphemy. It has seven heads and ten horns. The woman is dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with precious stones and gold. In her hand is a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. On her forehead is written, ‘Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and the of the abominations of the earth.’ The woman is drunk with the blood of the saints and the martyrs. The beast the whore rides on will ascend from the bottomless pit, and go to perdition, and those who dwell on earth, whose names are not written in the Book of Life, will marvel. The seven heads represent seven kings. Five have fallen, the other has not yet come. When he does come, he must continue for a short time. The beast is the eight king. The ten horns are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet – they are allies of the beast, and will war against the Lamb, but the Lamb shall overcome them. The ten kings will hate the harlot, making her desolate and naked, eating her flesh and burning her. The woman is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth (Rome? It is not stated explicitly.)

18

An angel comes from heaven, declaring, ‘Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen.’ It has become a prison for every foul spirit. Merchants have become rich through the abundance of Babylon’s luxury. God’s people are instructed to separate themselves from Babylon. Babylon will be utterly destroyed by the judgment of the Lord, repaid for her iniquities. The kings who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her will lament at the swiftness of the judgment against her. The merchants will lament that nobody buys their merchandise anymore. The sea-captains who trade at sea will also lament. An angel throws a great millstone into the sea, and says that thus with violence shall Babylon be thrown down. Babylon will be left desolate and silent, bereft of musicians, craftsmen, bridegroom and bride. The blood of prophets and saints was found in her.

19

God is worshipped in heaven for the judgment against Babylon. The marriage of the Lamb has come. Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. John worships an angel, and is chastised for it. A white horse appears from heaven; the rider is called Faithful and True, who judges and makes war in righteousness. His eyes are like flame, and there are many crowns on his head. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood. The armies of heaven follow Him on white horses. A sharp sword goes out of His mouth. He will rule with a rod of iron, and tread the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. On his robe is written ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords’. An angel standing in the sun invites the bird to gather for the supper of great God, where they can eat the flesh of God’s enemies, both small and great. There is a battle, and the beast and his false prophet are cast into the fiery lake. The rest were killed witrh a sword and devoured by the birds.

20

An angel descends from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. The beast/dragon/serpent/Satan is cast into the bottomless pit for a thousand years. After that time, he must be released for a little while. Christ and the saints rule for a thousand years. The rest of the dead (those who are not saints) will be resurrected after this thousand year period. After the thousand years, Satan will be released from prison, will deceive the nations, gather Gog and Magog to battle. The final battle ends before it begins – fire descends from heaven, devours the army, and the devil is cast into the fiery lake to be tormented forever. A great white throne descends. At the sight of the face of He who sits on it, earth and heaven flee. The Book of Life is opened, and the dead are judged according to their works. The sea, Death and Hades give up their dead. Those whose names were not written in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

21

John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth pass away. There is no more sea. The New Jerusalem descends from heaven, prepared as a bride for her husband. A voice declares that God’s tabernacle will dwell with men. ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’ All things are made new. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega...I will give the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.’ Those who overcome will be sons of God, and cowards, unbelievers and other sinners will be cast into the fiery lake. One of the seven angels shows the Lamb’s bride, the new city, descending from heaven. The city’s light is like a precious stone, with a great high wall, and twelve gates, with the names of the twelve tribes written on them. The angel measures the city – it is square, with its length, breadth and height equally 144 cubits. The walls are of jasper, and the city of pure gold. The foundation of the wall are adorned with twelve precious stones. The twelve gates are made from twelve pearls. There is no temple, for the Lord and the Lamb are the temple. There is no need for the sun or the moon, for the Lamb is its light. The nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light. Its gates shall not be shut. Only those whose names are written in the Book of Life shall enter.

22

A pure river of the water of life flows from the throne of God. (Compare with the river flowing from the temple at the end of Ezekiel.) The tree of life bears twelve fruits every month. The leaves of the tree have healing properties. There shall be no more curse. God’s servants shall serve Him with His name on their foreheads, there shall be no night, and God and the Lamb shall reign forever and ever. The words are verified are true. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book. John falls down to worship the angel, and is chastised a second time. John is told not to seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. Let sinners be sinners, and the holy be holy (ie, sinners will confirm their sin in the way that they react to this available prophecy, and so will the holy.) Jesus declares he is coming quickly, to give to everyone according to his work. Jesus declares He is the alpha and the omega. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. Those outside the city are cursed. Jesus testifies the truth of the testimony, and declares Himself to be the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. If anyone adds anything to this books, God will add plagues to him; if anyone takes anything anyway, his name will be taken from the Book of Life. He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Maranatha in Aramaic). The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Jude

An encyclical letter—that is, one not directed to the members of one church in particular, but intended rather to be circulated and read in all churches

Part is very similar to 2 Peter 2.

Jude, brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ. Mercy, peace and love. Judge writes exhorting his addressees to defend the faith. Ungodly men turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny God and our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord, having saved the people from Egypt, afterwards destroyed those who did not believe. Angels who did not keep their proper domain were kept in everlasting chains for the judgment of the great day. Sodom and Gomorrah suffered the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise, these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Michael the archangel is an example of someone who does not speak evil of others: when contending about the body of Moses, Michael did not dare to bring a reviling accusation aganist the devil, but instead said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ (2 Peter 2:2 made a general reference to angels as not bringing railing accusations against others before the Lord.) The ungodly men speak evil of what they do not know. They have gone in the way of Cain, Balaam and Korah. These men are spots at love feasts, clouds without water, late autumn trees without fruit, raging waves, wandering stars, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. Jude quotes from the book of Enoch: God will come with ten thousand of his saints to execute judgment on the ungodly. These men complain and flatter. Jesus himself said that there would be mockers. These men cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Have compassion on some, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. Concluding doxology: God is able to keep you from stumbling and keep you faultless; to Him be dominion and power both now and forever. Amen.

3 John

The shortest book in the Bible in terms of words, though 2 John has fewer verses

To the beloved elder Gaius. May you prosper. I rejoiced when brethren testified of the truth that is in you. John praises Gaius for his hospitality for brethren and for strangers. Diotrephes loves to be pre-eminent, prates against us with malicious words, and does not receive brethren. He is an example not to be imitated. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all. I hope to see you shortly. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

2 John

To the elect lady and her children. Grace, mercy and peace. I rejoice that your children are walking in truth. Love one another – this is the commandment heard from the beginning. Deceivers do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh (anxiety about docetic Christologies). These transgressors do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. Do not greet these transgressors. I hope to visit you soon. The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

1 John

Traditionally thought to have been by the same author as John’s gospel; stylistically very similar, especially in terms of light and dark imagery.

This Epistle was written in Ephesus between the years 100-110. The work may have been written to counter the heresies that

·         Christ was not pre-existent (1:1-2)

·         Christ’s death was not an atonement for sin (1:7)

·         Christ did not come ‘in the flesh’, but only as a spirit (4:2)

The epistle also defined how Christians are to discern true teachers: by their ethics, their proclamation of Jesus in the flesh, and by their love.

Among the most controversial verses of the Bible is an explicit reference to what some people consider the trinity, the Comma Johanneum, (5:7-8). These verses do not appear in any version of the text prior to the ninth century, but do appear in the King James Bible. About the year 800, the Comma appeared in some texts of the Latin Vulgate, and was subsequently translated into Greek and added to later Greek manuscripts. According to Bart Ehrman (Misquoting Jesus, 2005), the King James Version would not have included the passage if Erasmus had not given in to pressure to include it in the Textus Receptus (Greek text of the New Testament), even though he doubted its authenticity. The majority of modern translations do not include the text.


1

We have witnessed the word of life, which was from the beginning. We declare it to you so that you may share our fellowship with the Father and His son Jesus Christ. These things we write to you that your joy may be full. God is light, and in Him in no darkness. We cannot say we have fellowship with Him if we walk in darkness. If we walk in the light, we have fellowship with each other, and are cleansed from our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.


2

My little children, I write these things so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father. He is the propitiation not just for our sins, but for those of the whole world. To know Christ is to keep his commandments. He who loves his brother walks in the light, and he who hates his brother walks in darkness. Your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. Father have known Him who is from the beginning, young men have overcome the wicked one, little children have known the Father. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. All that is of the world is not of the Father. The world is passing away, but the will of God abides forever. It is the last hour, and many antichrists have come. He is an antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either. Abide in what you have heard, and you will abide in the Father and the Son. A promise is made of eternal life. The anointing which you have received is your protection against deception. Make sure you are not ashamed before Christ at His coming. Everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.


3

What love that we should be called the children of God! The world does not know us because we know Him. When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, and see Him as He is. This hope is purifying. Sin is lawlessness, blind to and unknowing of God. Whoever has been born of God does not sin; he who sins is of the devil, and does not love his brethren. The message you have heard from the beginning is that we should love one another. Cain was wicked, and murdered his brother. No murderer has eternal life abiding in him. Christ’s laying down his life for us shows us love; we ought to do the same for our brethren. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. Our heart will condemn us, or not condemn us. Whatever we ask we receive from Him. We should believe in the name of Jesus Christ, and love one another.


4

Do not believe every spirit – many false prophets have gone out into the world. All spirits who do not confess Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are not of God, but of the Antichrist. You, little children, have overcome the spirits of the Antichrist, who are of the world, and in error. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God revealed his love by sending his Son into the world, that we might live through him. If we love one another. And confess Jesus Christ, then God abides in us, and vice versa. We may be bold on the day of judgment – he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Jesus because he first loved us. He who loves God must love his brother also.


5

Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. We demonstrate our love by keeping God’s commandments, which are not burdensome. Faith overcomes the world.

The Comma Johanneum (in italics):

There are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three agree as one.

·         Tertullian – water and blood = baptism and Jesus blood spilt on the cross

·         Augustine – water and blood = the water and blood that flowed from Jesus’ side on the cross in John 19:34

·         Luther and Calvin – water and blood = baptism and communion

The witness of God is greater than the witness of men. He who has the Son has eternal life. If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. Pray for a brother who commits a sin that does not lead to death. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. The Son of God has given us an understanding. Keep yourself from idols. Amen.

2 Peter

Although 2 Peter internally purports to be a work of the apostle, most biblical scholars have concluded that Peter is not the author, and instead consider the epistle pseudepigraphical. Reasons for this include its linguistic differences from 1 Peter, its apparent use of Jude, possible allusions to 2nd-century gnosticism, encouragement in the wake of a delayed parousia, and weak external support.

If Peter the Apostle wrote this epistle then it must have been written prior to his death in c 65–67 AD. The letter refers to the Pauline epistles and so must post-date them, regardless of authorship: thus, a date before 60 is not probable. Many scholars generally consider the epistle to be written between c 100–150 AD.

1

Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained like precious faith with us. Through Christ’s great and precious promises, we become partakers of the divine nature. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. If you do, you will not be unfruitful in the knowledge our Lord Jesus Christ, and your call and election will be sure. Peter must shortly put off his tent (ie die), and writes these things so people may be reminded of them after his death. Peter witnessed the transfiguration. We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. True interpretation of scripture is not personal, but comes from the Holy Spirit.


2

False prophets bring in destructive heresies. Their destruction does not slumber. God did not spare the sinful angels, the world from the Deluge, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Noah and the righteous Lot were delivered, however. Peter contrasted the behavior of those who walk according to the flesh with faithful angels. The former (who do things like carouse in the daytime) will receive the wages of unrighteousness. They follow the ways of Balaam, whose madness was restrained by a donkey. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. They promise liberty, but are slaves of corruption. It would have been better for them never to have known righteousness than to have known it and then turn their backs on it.


3

Peter reminds them that scoffers will come, asking about the second coming. They say the world continues as it always was – but God’s judgment has already been poured out on the earth once before, in the time of Noah. With the Lord, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as a day. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night – earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Holy and godly living is recommended in anticipation of a new heaven and new earth. The longsuffering of our Lord is salvation. Paul has also written to you of these things though some have distorted them. Do not be led away by the error of wickedness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

1 Peter

Addressed to various gentile churches in Asia Minor suffering religious persecution. It stresses the redemptive value of virtuous suffering.

The author refers to Jesus, after his death, proclaiming to spirits in prison (3:18-20). This passage, and a few others (such as Matthew 27:52 and Luke 23:43), are the basis of the belief in the harrowing of hell. Many see this passage referring to Jesus, after his death, going to a place where the souls of pre-Christian people waited for the Gospel.


1

Peter to the pilgrims of the Dispersion (ie gentiles scattered throughout the world, though there is a reappropriation of a word with exclusively Jewish connotations). His addresses are elect according to the foreknowledge of God, in the sanctification of the Spirit. An incorruptible inheritance is preserved in heaven for you. Your faith is tested by trials, but the end of faith is the joyous salvation of your souls. The revelation of Christ was testified beforehand by the prophets. As He who has called you is holy, let your conduct be holy. You have been redeemed not with gold and silver, but with the precious blood of Christ. He was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but made manifest in these last times. Love one another with a pure heart, having been born again.


2

Lay aside malice and other sins and desire the pure milk of the word like newborn babes, so that you may grow. You will be living stones to build up his spiritual house. OT references to stones are made. Gentiles are talked about in terms previously appropriate only to the Israelites – a chosen generation, a holy nation, God’s special people. Abstain from fleshly lusts, so even those who speak against you as evildoers can be brought to glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit to the government, love the brotherhood. Servants must submit to their masters, whether kind or harsh. Enduring grief is commendable if you do good, as the example of Christ shows. By his stripes we are healed (echo of Isaiah’s suffering servant). Having died to sins through Christ, we might live for righteousness. You were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls.


3

Wives, be submissive, even if your husband does not obey the word. Let your adornment be inward rather than outward. Sarah, wife of Abraham, is a model of wifely submission. Husbands, give honour to the weaker vessel – you are heirs together of the grace of life. Be united and loving to each other. A quotation from Psalm 34:12-16 demonstrates the blessing that comes to those who turn away from evil and do good. It is better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit. Jesus preached to spirits in prison (that, harrowed hell). The salvation of Noah is the antitype of baptism.


4

A Christian no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin. Gentiles who lead a dissolute life must give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. The gospel has also been preached to those who are dead. The end of all things is at hand. Love will cover a multitude of sins. Rejoice is you partake of Christ’s sufferings. Suffering as a Christian is different from suffering as an evildoer.


5

Peter exhorts his fellow elders – he is a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker of the glory to be revealed. Shepherds (ie spiritual leaders) serve eagerly and honestly, and are examples to their flock. When the chief shepherd appears, they will receive a crown of glory. The young must submit to their elders. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Resist the devil, who walks about like a roaring lion. May you be perfected, established and strengthened after having suffered for a while. To God be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

James

The epistle may not be a true piece of correspondence between specific parties, but rather an example of wisdom literature formulated as a letter for circulation. The work is considered New Testament wisdom literature because, like Proverbs and Sirach, it consists largely of moral exhortations and precepts of a traditional and eclectic nature.

1

James, a bondservant of Christ, to the twelve scattered tribes. Count it a joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Ask wisdom of the Lord if you lack it, but ask in faith, for he who doubts is like a wave tossed by the wind. The rich man will fade away like a flower in the field, or as grass withered by the sun. He who endures the crown of temptation will receive the crown of life. Temptation is brought about not by God, but by our own desires, which lead to sin, and then to death. Every good and perfect gift is from above, from the Father of lights. Stand firm against unrighteous anger. Lay aside all filthiness, and receive with meekness the implanted word. Be a doer, and not just a hearer – he who merely hears is like a man who looks at himself in the mirror then walks away and forgets what he looks like. The truly religious will visit widows and orphans in their trouble.


2

Do not discriminate, showing preference to a rich man over a poor one. God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs to the kingdom. Love your neighbor as yourself. Whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Faith is dead faith if not accompanied by practical assistance – eg providing for a naked or destitute brother or sister. Living faith cannot be separated from works – even demons believe! Faith without works is dead, like the body without the spirit. By works faith is made perfect, for example, by Abraham working to sacrifice Isaac, and by Rahab working with Joshua’s spies.


3

Teachers are more accountable than those who are not. Though only a single organ, the tongue has huge power for good or for evil. An analogy is that a mere rudder can turn a whole ship one way or the other. The tongue can be difficult to tame, and full of poison. The tongue has a contradictory character, both cursing and blessing. This ought not to be – no spring yields both salt water and fresh. Wisdom shows us how to do good works. Merely earthly wisdom is bitter, envious and self-seeking. Heavenly wisdom is peaceable, gentle, merciful, and without discrimination or hypocrisy.


4

Strife within the Christian community arise from covetousness, lust and murder, dominated by their desire for pleasure, and praying amiss. Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Humble yourself and repent, and you will be cleansed. Who are you to judge each other? Your life is a vapour that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Do not act as if you are independent of God’s will. Do not boast. He sins who knows what good is, and does not do it.


5

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted and corroded. You have withheld the wages of labourers, lived in pleasure and luxury, and murdered the just. Brethren, be patient until the coming of the Lord, as the farmer is patient for the fruit of the earth. Do not grumble against each other. Behold, the judge is standing at the door! Follow Job in patient endurance. Do not swear by heaven or earth – let your yes be yes and your no be no. The suffering should pray, the joyous sing psalms, the sick be prayed for and anointed. The prayer of faith will save the sick. Elijah prayed for no rain, and there was a drought for three and a half years. He who helps a sinning brother will save a soul from death.

Hebrews

Author unknown, though Jerome and Augustine thought it was by Paul.

The primary purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews is to exhort Jews and Christians to persevere in the face of persecution. The central thought of the entire Epistle is the doctrine of the Person of Christ and his role as mediator between God and humanity.

The epistle has a dual Christology, treating Jesus as both exalted Son and as high priest.

Maps the new covenant onto the old, extolling key figures from the Hebrew Bible, while also emphasising the more privileged perspective of the present. A key rhetorical figure is ‘by how much more…’
1

God in the past spoke to the fathers by the prophets; in the last days, he has spoken by His son. The son is the heir of all things, through whom the worlds were made. The son is the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of His person. He has by Himself purged our sins, and sits at the right hand of Majesty. He is better than the angels, and has obtained a more excellent name than them through inheritance. Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7:14 are cited to emphasise the uniqueness of the sonship. Angels worship the son. God says to the son that his throne is forever – heaven and earth will perish, but the son will remain. Angels are lesser beings – ministering spirits for those who will inherit salvation.


2

We must heed the things we have heard, and not drift away. If we must take the word which came by angels seriously, how much more seriously must we take the word which came by the Son of God - who has been proven to be greater than the angels? We know Jesus is human, because God has put the world in subjection to man, not angels – ‘What is man that you are mindful of him?’ Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, suffered death yet was crowned with glory and honour, and tasted death for everyone. Jesus brings many sons to glory, making them perfect through suffering, and calling them brethren. Through death he destroyed him who has the power of death – the devil. Jesus does not give aid to the angels, but he does to the seed of Abraham. Jesus is our faithful high priest, making propitiation for the sins of the people.


3

Jesus the high priest was faithful to Him who appointed him, as Moses also was faithful. Jesus is more worthy of glory than Moses. Why did Jesus receive more glory than Moses? Because Moses was a servant in God’s house, but Jesus is both the builder of the house and a Son in it. Quoting psalm 95, we are admonished not to go astray and harden our hearts, as the wilderness generation did.


4

Continuing the analogy of not entering God’s rest (‘they shall not enter my rest’) after the years in the wilderness, we are exhorted to have faith. Joshua does not completely fulfil God’s promise of rest – and the idea of entering into rest (through Jesus) is equally alive today. By analogy to the Sabbath, entering rest is described as a ceasing from work (Lutheran works as opposed to faith? Or the work and practice of the law?). The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. Jesus, our high priest, can sympathise with our weakness, and was tempted as we are, but is without sin. Let is therefore come boldly to the throne of grace.


5

High priests are called by God to offer sacrifices for sins. They do not glorify themselves, and nor does Christ, who is a high preist according to the order of Melchizedek. Christ offered prayers with vehement tears and cries, and learned obedience by the things that he suffered. Having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation. However, you have become dull of hearing, and have regressed from being teachers to being students, from needing solid food to needing milk. As such, they have become unskilled in the word of righteousness, and as babes.


6

The very basics – repentance from dead works, faith, baptism, the laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment – can be passed over. Repentance is impossible for those who have fallen away after receiving blessing from God. Earth which bears useful herbs is blessed by God; but earth that bears thorns and briars is cursed and rejected. The writer expressed a confidence of better things of his addresses, however. God has not forgotten your work, therefore do not become sluggish. God’s promises (such as that made to Abraham) are reliable, but He swears by Himself. Hope is the anchor of the soul, and enters the Presence behind the veil.


7

The story of Melchizedek is recounted. Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’ and, he was also ‘king of peace’, because Salem (where Melchizedek was king) means ‘peace’. Melchizedek had no genealogy – made like the Son of God, having neither beginning of days nor end of life. He was a priest and a king. Melchizedek is greater than Abraham because Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, and because Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Perfection was not achieved through the Levitical priesthood, so another priest had to rise according to the order of Melchizedek, not the order of Aaron. Jesus could not be a priest according to Mosaic law, because he was of the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Another priest has come not according to the law of a fleshy commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. Psalm 110: ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.’ The former commandment of the law is annulled as a means of establishing our relationship with and access to God. Jesus was made high priest by the direct oath of God. Jesus is the surety of a better covenant. An unchanging priesthood means a lasting salvation. Jesus is better qualified to be a high priest than any priest from the order of the Law of Moses. The sacrifice he offered up was himself.


8

Text summarises points made about Jesus as high priest. Jesus presides over a superior priesthood, with a better covenant, and better promises. The fact that God has established another covenant proves that there is something lacking in the old covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-34 is quoted – its theme is the instituting of a new covenant. The old covenant has been made obsolete.


9

The old covenant had a tabernacle with furnishings. The priest atoned for his own sins, and for the sins of the people, once a year. Christ comes with a greater and more perfect tabernacle. The sacrifice is not the blood of goats and calves, but his own blood. Through this sacrifice, those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. A testament (in the sense of a ‘last will and testament’) only takes effect when the person making the testament dies. Therefore Jesus had to die for the testament – the covenant – to take effect. As priest, Christ enters not into the Holy of Holies, but into heaven itself. Unlike a Mosaic priest, who must sacrifice regularly, Christ’s sacrifice is made only once.


10

Sacrifice under the old covenant could not truly take away sin. Psalm 40 is quoted. Christ’s work is finished, and he sits at the right hand of the Father, with his enemies as a footstool. The veil separating off the Holy of Holies is Christ’s flesh, and we can boldly pass through it into the presence of God. Let us hold fast to the truth. ‘Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.’ Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Trampling the Son of God underfoot is worthy of far worse punishment. Take heart in your discouragement, and remember how you have stood for God in tough times before. Draw on your past experience to gain strength to endure for the future.


11

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The elders obtained a good testimony through it. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, and that there is a difference between the visible and the invisible. Abel’s offering showed more faith than Cain’s. By faith Enoch was taken away, and did not see death. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Noah, Abraham and Sarah are also models of faith. These died not having received the promise, but seeing it afar in faith. They were strangers and pilgrims on earth, desiring a better, heavenly country. God has prepared a city for them. By faith, the sacrificed Isaac was returned as if from the dead. By faith Abraham blessed Jacob and Esau, and Jacob blessed his sons. By faith Joseph gave instructions about his bones. By faith, Moses’ parents hid him when he was born. By faith, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, kept the Passover, crossed the Red Sea. By faith Jericho was taken, and Rahab saved. Heroes from Judges are also cited, along with a list of victories and sufferings. We have even more reasons for faith, having received the promise.


12

Since we have a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside sin, and run the race with endurance. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Do not become weary and discouraged – consider how much hostility Jesus endured. Proverbs 3 is cited – whom he Lord loves, he chastens. Chastening is a sign of sonship. How much more we must submit to God than to earthly fathers! God chastens us so we may be partakers of His holiness. Though painful, chastening results in the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet. Pursue peace and do not be bitter – do not sell your birthright like Esau. You have come not to mount Sinai (fenced off, black, dark, tempestuous), but to mount Zion and the city of the living God. There were consequences for rebelling at Mount Sinai. How much more should there be consequences for resisting God’s greater work at Zion? We are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken.


13

Let brotherly love continue. Entertain strangers, for they may be angels. Remember prisoners and those who are mistreated. Marriage is honourable, fornication is not. Be content and not covetous. Follow your leaders. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. There is no need to cling to Levitical rites of offering. Animals for sin offerings were burned outside the camp – in the same way, Christ was offered up outside the gate of the city. We seek the city to come. Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God. Let us be joyfully obedient to our leaders. God brought Jesus from the dead through the blood of the new covenant. Our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly. Those from Italy greet you. Grace be with you all. Amen.