Preface

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Audio (2:24)

Free E-mail Bible Study Faith of Abraham (Genesis 11-25)

Jacob Pontormo, detail of "St. John the Evangelist" (1519), oil on wood, 173 x 59, Museo della Collegiata, Empoli

First, Second, and Third John, sometimes called the Epistles or Letters of John, are like trail mix -- concentrated, chewy, and nutritious. As I teach God's Word, I find myself returning again and again to First John.

When John writes these letters, he is an elderly man. When he was young, he was Jesus' "beloved disciple." Now, when he is old, he is passing on the faith he learned at Jesus' feet.

He has lived in Ephesus for many years now, teaching and preaching in the churches around that great provincial capital. In First John he writes with great affection. Sprinkled through the letter are references to his "little children" and to his "beloved" friends in Christ.

That doesn't mean he is soft. In First John he:

Refutes enemies of Christ who had infiltrated the church and spread false and dangerous doctrine.
Challenges believers to reject darkness and live in the light.
Calls for righteous living at the same time as he assures them of the forgiveness of God.
Underscores love as the greatest and highest commandment of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All in all, these letters pack a punch to their first century readers as well as readers in the twenty-first century.

As I have immersed myself in John's letters over these past months, I've come to know his heart of love for his children in the Lord and his passion for Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God. I pray that as you study these letters, that same intensity of love for the brothers and sisters and that same burning passion for the Gospel of our Lord be yours in abundance.

Yours in Christ's service,
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
October 1, 2009

P.S. I made a very minor revision in April 2009, but so minor no need to repurchase the book if you have an earlier edition.

Discipleship Lessons from John's Letters

Jesus' Parables for Disciples, by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Discipleship for New Believers

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