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The book of I John


Author

Place and Time of Writing

Unique Characteristics

Audience

Theme

More details about I John

Why did John write I John?

The central theme: Love

Against Docetism

First a refresher on the differeces between heresy, error, and opinion.

Quiz with hover answers (Hover doesn't work for some smart phones and pads, so questions and answers here)

1. This letter was written over 30 years after Paul wrote his letters.

True
True
Paul wrote his last letter in the mid-60s.
   
False
It is true.
Paul wrote his last letter in the mid-60s.

2. Like 1 Peter, John wrote to encourage Christians to be strong during persecution.

True
False
   
False
Correct

3. Paul's main points were faith and unity, James' was action, and John's was love.

True
Yes
He is even called the Apostle of love.
   
False
It is false. He is even called the Apostle of love.

4. The big picture: Saying that Christians worship three gods is an error but not heresy.

Response
False. Since it attacks an idea of the Trinity, it is a heresy. An error does not attack the idea of the Trinity but consists of difference of opinion between Christians. For example, one Christian can say that another Christian is in error by believing that churches need bishops.

Timeline up to the book of I John

Dates are approximate.

Year Event
63 B.C. Romans conquer Israel.
27 B.C. Pax Romana began and lasted until A.D. 180.
4 B.C. Jesus born.
All dates after this are A.D.
27 Jesus baptized.
30 Jesus was crucified, buried, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven.
Apostles travel to Jerusalem and choose Matthias to replace Judas as an Apostle.
Day of Pentecost: Peter assumes leadership of Christianity.
30-50 Peter was leader of Christianity.
33 Jesus appeared to Paul and Paul became a Christian.
48 James written.
48-50 Paul's First Missionary Trip.
50 Council of Jerusalem; Paul became one of the main Christian leaders.
50-55 Paul's Second Missionary Trip.
  51-53 Galatians, I & II Thessalonians, and I & II Corinthians written.
55-60 Paul's Third Missionary Trip.
  55 Romans written.
60-62 Paul arrested in Jerusalem and taken to Rome.
Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome.
62-63 (Not in Acts) Paul probably released from prison during this time.
63-65 (Not in Acts) Paul probably traveled. He may have gone to Spain.
  63 I Timothy and Titus written.
64 Fire in Rome and Christians persecuted by Emperor Nero.
65 II Timothy and I & II Peter written.
(Not in Acts)Paul back in Rome; he and Peter arrested and martyred: Peter was crucified upside down and Paul was beheaded.
67 Gospel of Mark written.
68 Hebrews written.
70 Temple in Jerusalem destroyed by Romans (it has not been rebuilt).
80 Gospels of Matthew and Luke written.
90 Gospel of John and book of Acts written.
95 Christians persecuted by Emperor Domitian; Apostle John exiled on island of Patmos where he wrote Revelation.
96 Emperor Domitian died; Apostle John probably moved to Ephesus.
98 I John written.
100 Apostle John died; he was the last Apostle to die.
390's New Testament canon "closed" at Councils of Hippo (393) and Carthage (397).
1200's Chapters added to the New Testament.
1500's Verses added to the New Testament.

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©2016 Mark Nickens

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