A Tour Through John, Lesson 37

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/tour-john-lesson-37/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>In the late first century, there were false concepts of Jesus circulating in the Christian world. Just as today there are numerous false Jesuses (perhaps best known is the one begging you to "accept" him, in exchange for nothing -- no commitment), so at the turn of the second century there was a false and idolatrous Jesus. This was being proclaimed in the churches where the apostle John, now an old man, had influence.</p><p>1 Jn 1 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.</p><ul><li>1 John is a letter from the apostle to Christians in Asia Minor (modern Turkey).</li><li>These inspired words are addressed to the second (third?) generation of Christians. A whole generation or two of believers has been converted and died; it’s up to their children to carry the torch.</li><li>The letters of 1 and 2 John address a heresy called <a href="http://www.douglasjacoby.com/gnosticism/" target="_blank">Gnosticism</a>, and specifically a version of Gnosticism called <a href="http://www.douglasjacoby.com/docetism/" target="_blank">Docetism</a>. If you are unfamiliar with these doctrines, be sure to click on the links -- otherwise it will be difficult for you to fully understand these letters. There are other articles on Gnosticism at this website, too.</li></ul><p>2 Jn 7 Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver an