New Testament

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.

13 chapters

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.

5 chapters

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.

5 chapters

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.

3 chapters

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.

5 chapters

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.

1 chapters

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.

1 chapters

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.

1 chapters

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