2. Basic Background on the Epistles of John These texts were written at the end of the first century somewhere in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). These texts were originally written in Greek. St. John didn’t mention his name not even once in the 3 epistles The words “Love” & “abide” are the most used words in the epistles: Love: 38 times Abide : 21 times

4. THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN AUTHOR: The Apostle John External evidence: “The church fathers.” Polycarp, Papias, Irenaus, Origen, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Eusebius. B. Internal evidence: Similarities in vocabulary, thought phrases and style of writing to the gospel of John. 1. The opening verse of First John echoes the first chapter of the Gospel of John and reveals the author as an eyewitness to pre- Calvary and post resurrection. 2. Distinctive words common to both books: “beginning,” “light,” “love,” and “abide. 3. Distinctive phrases common to both books. To do truth. (1:6; John 3:21). To walk in darkness. (2:11; John 8:12) etc

5. THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN TIME OF WRITING: 90-95 A.D. PLACE OF WRITING: Ephesus. (Most likely) CONDITIONS WHICH PROMPTED THE WRITING Internal opposition to Christ and the church: false teachers. Poor spiritual condition. Gnosticism. PURPOSES OF THE WRITING Deduced purposes. Evidences for faith in the deity of Jesus Christ. (1:3, 4; 5:13) To describe the life that faith demands. (3:1-12) As stated by John. That their joy may be full. (1:4) That they may not sin. (2:1). That they may be warned against error. (2:26) That they may know they have eternal life. (5:13 )

6. THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN AUTHOR: ST. JOHN TIME OF WRITING: 90-95 A.D. PLACE OF WRITING: Ephesus. (Most likely) TO WHOM WAS IT WRITTEN? This is the only book in the Bible directed to a lady, Some see that she is a chosen lady, whom the apostle did not mention her name. This is the most common opinion. Probably, St. John did not write her name due to being conservative because she is a lady or to avoid the annoyances of the Roman Empire. Some relate that saying “to the chosen Kiriya” meaning to the elect lady, “eklesketa.” A fourth group relates that Kiriya means lady, and this is symbolic of a specific church, for she is the chosen bride of Christ. This group interpret “the children of your elect sister” (v.13) as being the children of the church which St. Paul shepherds.

7. THE THIRD EPISTLE OF ST. JOHN AUTHOR: ST. JOHN TIME OF WRITING: 90-95 A.D. PLACE OF WRITING: Ephesus. (Most likely) TO WHOM WAS IT WRITTEN a person named Gaius It is hard to know his personality. This name was often mentioned in the New Testament. Gaius who is from Corinth (Rom. 16: 23). Some think that this epistle is directed to him, but this is not certain. Another Gaius from Corinth. (1 Cor. 1:14) Gaius from Macedonia. (Acts 19:29) Gaius of Derbe. (Acts 20: 4)