The general epistles, also known as the catholic epistles, are a collection of letters in the New Testament written by various authors to early Christian churches. The word “catholic” in this context means “universal” or “general”, indicating that these letters were not addressed to any specific individual or location, but rather to a broader audience across the early Christian world.
There are seven general epistles in the New Testament:
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
These letters provide valuable insight into the issues facing the early church, including persecution, false teachings, church leadership, and Christian living. The authors, while not among the twelve apostles, were important leaders in the early church. The general epistles encourage believers in their faith and instruct them on sound doctrine and godly living.
Authorship and dating
Scholars generally believe the epistles were written between AD 60-90, with the possible exception of 2 Peter which may date slightly later. There is some debate about the authorship of a few of the epistles:
- James – While traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus, some scholars believe it may have been written pseudonymously by someone else.
- 1 Peter – Widely attributed to the apostle Peter.
- 2 Peter – Potentially pseudonymous, but claims to be from Peter.
- 1 John – Traditionally attributed to John the apostle, author of the gospel of John.
- 2 John – Attributed to John the elder, likely the same person as John the apostle.
- 3 John – Also attributed to John the elder.
- Jude – Attributed to Jude the brother of Jesus, also known as Judas.
Purpose and themes
Each of the general epistles was written with a slightly different purpose and message in mind. Some common themes and purposes include:
- Providing practical instructions for Christian living and church conduct (1 Peter, James)
- Warning against false teachers and dangerous doctrines (2 Peter, 1 John, Jude)
- Encouraging believers under trial or persecution (1 Peter)
- Calling Christians to love one another and live in the light (1 John)
- Dealing with conflict and division in the church (3 John)
- Affirming sound doctrine and refuting heresy (2 John, Jude)
While varying in their exact concerns and contexts, collectively the general epistles aim to strengthen and unify believers in their faith, correct doctrinal error, and exhort Christians to live out their calling with courage and love.
Overview of each general epistle
James
James is perhaps the earliest New Testament epistle, likely written around AD 45-50. The author identifies himself simply as “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). This may be the James who was the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church. The letter does not seem to be addressed to any specific location but rather to Jewish Christians generally.
A key theme in James is living out one’s faith through deeds and actions, not merely words. He stresses that true faith will inevitably produce good works. James contains practical instructions on issues like temptation, the tongue, wisdom, wealth and poverty, patience in suffering, prayer, and caring for the needy. The letter emphasizes core Christian virtues like faith, self-control, righteousness, and humility.
1 Peter
1 Peter was likely written around AD 63-64 by the apostle Peter. He writes to Christians living in various provinces of Asia Minor who are suffering persecution and hardship. Peter writes to encourage them to stand firm in their faith and continue living holy lives. Major themes include Christ’s example of suffering, submission to authority, instructions for various groups like slaves and husbands/wives, and resisting the devil.
Peter urges his readers to remember they have a living hope through Christ’s resurrection, they are members of God’s household, and they are called to do good and follow in Christ’s steps. He calls them to humility, unity, prayer, and perseverance during their time of exile and suffering.
2 Peter
2 Peter was likely written between AD 65-68, though some scholars dispute whether it was actually authored by Peter. False teaching threatening the church seems to be a major reason for 2 Peter’s composition. The letter warns believers about false prophets and false teachers who secretly introduce destructive heresies.
Peter reminds his readers of the truth they already know, and urges them to grow in grace, knowledge, and righteousness. He warns them to be on guard against lawless and unprincipled men who twist Scripture. Peter assures believers that the Lord knows how to rescue the godly and will judge the unrighteous.
1 John
1 John was written by the apostle John around AD 85-95. John’s readers were confronted by an early form of Gnostic teaching that denied Jesus Christ had actually come in the flesh. This letter affirms that Jesus was fully God and fully man. Key themes in 1 John include love, obedience to God’s commands, the meaning of faith, and discernment between truth and error.
John gives practical tests to determine genuine salvation and fellow believers. He calls Christians to love one another, keep God’s commandments, test the spirits, reject worldliness, abide in truth, and avoid idols. John writes so that believers “may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13).
2 John
2 John and 3 John are the shortest books in the Bible. 2 John was likely written around AD 90 by John the elder to “the elect lady and her children” (2 John 1:1). This may symbolically refer to a local church. False teachers were traveling and spreading deception, so John writes to urge discernment and truth.
The central command in this short letter is to walk according to Christ’s commandments and to love one another. John warns believers not to receive or wish success to deceivers, but rather to stand firm in the truth of Christ which they heard from the beginning.
3 John
3 John was also authored by John the elder, likely around AD 90. He writes to commend Gaius for his hospitality and loyalty to the truth. However, John condemns Diotrephes, who loves preeminence and refuses to welcome fellow believers. John hopes to come in person to straighten out these matters.
This letter serves as a reminder for Christians to imitate good examples like Gaius, while avoiding pride and division like that displayed by Diotrephes. John encourages Gaius to continue doing what is good and walking in the truth.
Jude
Jude was likely written between AD 65-80 by Jude, another brother of Jesus. Jude writes to warn believers about ungodly people who were spreading licentious and heretical doctrine in the church. He urges Christians to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3) in the face of this threat.
Jude condemns the greed and sexual immorality of the false teachers, while urging believers to remember the predictions of the apostles, remain in God’s love, be merciful to doubters, and snatch others from the fire. The epistle is a call to persevere and fight for orthodox doctrine amidst persecution and apostasy.
Major themes
While each letter contains unique messages and emphases, there are some overarching themes and commonalities among the general epistles:
- Perseverance in suffering – Believers are encouraged to endure persecution and affliction with joy, patience, and hope (1 Peter, James).
- Living by faith – True faith will manifest itself in acts of righteousness by God’s power (James, Jude).
- Dangers of false teaching – Warnings against false prophets and antichrists who spread worldly lies and ungodly doctrine (2 Peter, 1 John, Jude).
- Christian ethics – Instructions on practical topics like controlling the tongue, loving others, submitting to authority, resisting temptation, and caring for the needy (James, 1 Peter).
- Call to holiness – Exhortations to pursue moral purity, brotherly love, obedience to Christ, and rejection of worldliness (1 John, 2 John).
- Correct doctrine – Affirmations of sound doctrine concerning Christ’s incarnation, return, and salvation (1 John, 2 John, Jude).
- Divisions in the church – Warnings against false teachers who cause dissension and dispute (3 John, 2 John).
- Second coming – Reminders of Christ’s promised return, future judgment, and the hope this brings (2 Peter, Jude).
Key teachings
Some of the notable teachings and instructions contained in the general epistles include:
- Faith without works is useless (James 2:14-26)
- Humility before God brings grace (James 4:6-10)
- Above all, love one another earnestly (1 Peter 4:8)
- Be holy as obedient children of God (1 Peter 1:14-16)
- Resist the devil by standing firm in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9)
- Do not love the world or things in the world (1 John 2:15-17)
- Test the spirits to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1-3)
- Whoever does good is from God (3 John 1:11)
- Beware scoffers who follow ungodly desires (Jude 1:18)
- Build yourselves up in the faith (Jude 1:20)
Summary
The general epistles contain timeless instruction and encouragement for followers of Jesus Christ throughout the ages. These letters remind believers to place their hope in Christ, resist false doctrine, live by faith with love and holiness, find joy in the midst of suffering, and anticipate their promised eternal inheritance. They equip Christians for godly living as they await their Lord’s return.
Though not directly authored by Jesus’ twelve apostles, the general epistles confirm and expand upon apostolic teaching. They confront the dangerous errors threatening the early church while providing practical guidance for growing in spiritual maturity. For Christians today, the general epistles continue to instruct, admonish, and ground them in the essential truths of the faith once for all delivered to the saints.