THE END OF THE APOSTOLIC AGE

THE GENERAL LETTERS Also called “catholic” meaning universal Not written to just to one church Include James, 1&2 Peter, Hebrews, and Jude Written later in the apostolic period and show changing emphasis: Christianity had grown Needs changed Dealt with false teachings

1ST PETER Written from Rome (?) or Babylon around 60-62 AD Addressed the issue of persecution Persecution serves to refine (1.3-12) The importance of holy living (1.13-25) Live as chosen people (2.1-25) Personal relationships (3.1-7) Christian suffering (3.8-4.19) Responsible leadership and living (5.1- 14)

2ND PETER Authorship questioned by scholars Deals mainly with false teachings Gnosticism (from gnosis – knowledge) Began to emerge in the 1st century True knowledge was hidden Sharp distinction between spirit and matter, God and creation Christ was called a demiurge, an intermediate being Fostered both licentious and ascetic beliefs Peter condemned false teachers (1.4; 2.10) Second coming (3.1-18)

MESSAGE False teachers Introduce heresies, such as denying Jesus Christ (2:1). Apparently, they were once part of the church, (2:20 – 21), but turned their backs to this knowledge, and invited destruction upon themselves (2:1). Those that will be judged (2:4ff) “God did not spare the angels who sinned” (2:4) but put some of them in “pits of darkness”.  This event occurred “long ago” (1 Pet. 3:19 – 20). God judged the wicked during the time of Noah (2 Peter.  2:5). God judged Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:24 – 29) and makes clear that God judges the ungodly and protects His people. Encourages Christians in the midst of suffering and persecution to live with an eschatological perspective. Christ is coming and will judge the false teachers (3:9, 14). Christ’s desire to see all people come to salvation accounts for His not having already returned (3:8, 9).

PAUL’S FOURTH JOURNEY Released from prison in 62 AD Traveled to Spain (?) Based on his expressed desire in Rm.15.24,28 Returned to Greece and Asia Minor Wrote letters to Timothy and Titus; called the “Pastoral letters” Arrested and returned to Rome Executed in 68 AD

1ST TIMOTHY Joined Paul on his 2nd journey Left in charge of some churches in Asia (1.3) Wrote to encourage and instruct The problem of false teachers (1.3-11) Instructions for a young pastor (2.1-3.16) Prayer Women Church leadership False asceticism (4.1-5) Pastoral duties (5.1-6.21)

TITUS Pastor of the church in Crete (1.5) Paul requested a meeting in Nicopolis (3.12) Deals with practical ministry False teachers:  warns Titus to strongly rebuke them. (Ti.1:10-16) Guidelines for various groups (2:1-10): older men – self controlled older women – reverent, not slanderers; teach younger women young men – sensible slaves – submissive.

2ND TIMOTHY Paul’s last letter (4:6-8) Wrote to ask that Timothy visit (4:9). Principle issues Thanksgiving and encouragement (1.3-18) The good soldier approved by God (2.1- 26) Godlessness in the last days (3.1-9) Paul’s charge (3.10-4.8) Final instructions (4.9-22)

HEBREWS Author unknown; probably not Paul Written while sacrifices were still practiced Principle argument: Jesus is superior To prophets, angels, Moses and priests Brought a better covenant Warned against apostasy (6.1-2; 10.19- 39) Implications for life Hold fast to faith (11.1-40) Run with perseverance (12.1-3) Service pleasing to God (13.1-19)

JUDE Written by the brother of James and half-brother of Jesus (1) Controversial letter because it cites non-biblical books (9, 14-15) Content: Judgment of false teachers (3-16) Exhortation to be built up in the faith (17-23) Benediction (24, 25)