General Epistles
Letters written by other apostles to the early church.
The General Epistles (also called Catholic or Universal Epistles) are a collection of eight New Testament letters not attributed to Paul. Written by various apostles and church leaders between approximately AD 45-90, these letters address a wider audience than Paul's letters, which were typically written to specific churches or individuals. The General Epistles include Hebrews (author uncertain), James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude. Each letter has its own distinct emphasis: Hebrews presents Christ's superiority over the Old Testament system; James focuses on practical Christian living; Peter's letters encourage believers facing persecution; John's writings emphasize love, truth, and fellowship; and Jude warns against false teachers. Together, these diverse letters provide a comprehensive picture of early Christian belief and practice from different apostolic perspectives. They address challenges facing the early church, including persecution, false teaching, ethical conduct, and the relationship between faith and works. Despite their different emphases, they share a common foundation in Christ's teaching and a concern for maintaining pure doctrine and holy living in anticipation of Christ's return.
Books in General Epistles
Hebrews
A treatise on Christ's superiority over the Old Testament system, urging perseverance in faith.
Key Events:
- Christ Superior to Angels
- Warning against Unbelief
- Melchizedek Priesthood
- Faith Hall of Fame
- Christian Endurance
James
Practical wisdom for Christian living, emphasizing that genuine faith produces good works.
Key Events:
- Trials and Temptations
- Faith and Works
- Taming the Tongue
- Worldliness and Pride
- Patient Endurance
1 Peter
Encouragement to Christians suffering persecution, focusing on holy living and Christ's example.
Key Events:
- Living Hope
- Living Stones
- Submission to Authority
- Christ's Suffering Example
- Elders and Flock
2 Peter
Warnings against false teachers and reminders of Christ's return, emphasizing spiritual growth.
Key Events:
- Qualities of Faith
- False Teachers Condemned
- Day of the Lord
- Growing in Grace
1 John
Reflections on fellowship with God, emphasizing love, truth, and assurance of salvation.
Key Events:
- Word of Life
- Test of Fellowship
- God is Love
- Testing the Spirits
- Assurance of Eternal Life
2 John
A brief letter warning against false teachers and emphasizing the importance of truth and love.
Key Events:
- Walking in Truth
- Command to Love
- Warning against Deceivers
3 John
A personal letter commending Gaius for his hospitality and warning against the divisive Diotrephes.
Key Events:
- Gaius Commended
- Diotrephes Criticized
- Demetrius Praised
Jude
A strong warning against false teachers who had infiltrated the church, urging readers to contend for the faith.
Key Events:
- Contend for the Faith
- Examples of God's Judgment
- Description of False Teachers
- Call to Persevere
Key Information
Alternative Names
Catholic Epistles, Universal Epistles
Authors
Various (likely James, Peter, John, Jude, and possibly others)
Time Period Written
c. AD 45-90
Events Covered
Post-resurrection church development
Total Chapters
29 chapters across eight letters
Key Themes
Christ's Supremacy
Faith and Works
Suffering and Persecution
False Teaching
Christian Love
Final Judgment
Perseverance