NT 103: Catholic Epistles and Revelation References 1. Father Tadros Malaty - Bible Study of St. James 2. Orthodox Study Bible 3. William Barclay - The

NT 103: NT 103: Catholic Epistles and Catholic Epistles and

RevelationRevelation

References1. Father Tadros Malaty - Bible Study of St. James2. Orthodox Study Bible3. William Barclay - The Daily Study Bible Series

Catholic Epistles:Catholic Epistles:1- The Epistle of St James1- The Epistle of St James2- The First Epistle of St Peter2- The First Epistle of St Peter3- The Second Epistle of St Peter3- The Second Epistle of St Peter4, 5 &6- The three Epistles of St 4, 5 &6- The three Epistles of St JohnJohn7- The Epistle of St. Jude7- The Epistle of St. Jude


I. The Epistle of St. I. The Epistle of St. JamesJames


Historical Background Historical Background (1)(1)

Author:Author: St. James, James, a bondservant of God St. James, James, a bondservant of God

and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). He was one of and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1:1). He was one of

the twelve disciples. Also known as James the the twelve disciples. Also known as James the

just, James the less, James the brother of Jesus, just, James the less, James the brother of Jesus,

James the son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3). He James the son of Alphaeus (Matthew 10:3). He

was the first Bishop of Jerusalem where he was the first Bishop of Jerusalem where he

presided over the Jerusalem Council (Acts 12:17, presided over the Jerusalem Council (Acts 12:17,

21:17, 15:13). Christ appeared to St. James after 21:17, 15:13). Christ appeared to St. James after

His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7). His resurrection (1 Cor 15:7).


The Epistle was writtenThe Epistle was written around 55-60 A.D. around 55-60 A.D.

Recipients of the Epistle: the twelve tribes which are Recipients of the Epistle: the twelve tribes which are

scattered abroad," (1:1). Thus the epistle is not scattered abroad," (1:1). Thus the epistle is not

addressed to a particular church or geographical addressed to a particular church or geographical

region.region.

Setting:Setting: The people James addresses are experiencing The people James addresses are experiencing

various trials: persecution, deception (Chapter 1), various trials: persecution, deception (Chapter 1),

economical injustice and poverty (Chapters 1, 2 and economical injustice and poverty (Chapters 1, 2 and

5), apostasy {faith renunciation or denial) (Chapters 1 5), apostasy {faith renunciation or denial) (Chapters 1

and 5) and divisions in the Church (Chapters 3 and 4). and 5) and divisions in the Church (Chapters 3 and 4).


In response to these trials, people are tempted byIn response to these trials, people are tempted by: :

A. depression over being snubbed and persecuted by A. depression over being snubbed and persecuted by

the the

Jews (Chapters 1 and 5), Jews (Chapters 1 and 5),

B. anger at having their good will being taken B. anger at having their good will being taken

advantage advantage

of (Chapters 1), of (Chapters 1),

C. bitterness over being so poor when godless Jews C. bitterness over being so poor when godless Jews

were so rich (Chapter 2) were so rich (Chapter 2)

D. impatience over the delay in the return of Christ D. impatience over the delay in the return of Christ

(Chapter 5). (Chapter 5).


They are overwhelmed most by the sin of They are overwhelmed most by the sin of

hypocrisy- the split between profession hypocrisy- the split between profession

and practice, between faith and works and practice, between faith and works

which is manifested in distrust, dissension which is manifested in distrust, dissension

and disagreements.and disagreements.

Theme:Theme: Harmony of faith and Harmony of faith and

works.works.

Outline of the epistle Outline of the epistle (1)(1)

Chapter 1Chapter 1

- This chapter addresses faith (1:2-18) and works - This chapter addresses faith (1:2-18) and works

(1:19-27). (1:19-27).

- Trials and endurance (1:2-5). - Trials and endurance (1:2-5).

- The issue is not trials peruse, but our response- The issue is not trials peruse, but our response

to them. Trials help increase faith (1:3). The godly to them. Trials help increase faith (1:3). The godly

reaction to trials is joy, patience and firmness reaction to trials is joy, patience and firmness

(1:3-4). (1:3-4).


Chapter 1Chapter 1

- The importance of wisdom in trials (1:5-11). Wisdom is - The importance of wisdom in trials (1:5-11). Wisdom is

a gift given to those who ask God in faith (1:5-6). a gift given to those who ask God in faith (1:5-6).

- St. James talks about the poor and the rich, and talks - St. James talks about the poor and the rich, and talks

about the worthlessness of riches. about the worthlessness of riches.

- Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by - Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted by

God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He God," for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He

himself tempt anyone (1:13). himself tempt anyone (1:13).


Chapter 1Chapter 1

- Temptation originates in our own sinful passions - Temptation originates in our own sinful passions

(1:14). (1:14).

- Warning against deception - every good gift and - Warning against deception - every good gift and

every every

perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the

Father of Lights (1:17). Father of Lights (1:17).

- God provides salvation of His own will (1:19). - God provides salvation of His own will (1:19).


Chapter 1Chapter 1

- Being doers not just hearers of the word (1:19-27).- Being doers not just hearers of the word (1:19-27).

- Verses 1:26-27 give three examples of the relationship - Verses 1:26-27 give three examples of the relationship

between faith and works: (1) mastery over speech, (2) between faith and works: (1) mastery over speech, (2)

ministry to the needy, (3) moral purity in thought and ministry to the needy, (3) moral purity in thought and

deed. deed.


Chapter 2Chapter 2

- The law of love: - The law of love: do not judge do not judge others and do not show others and do not show

partiality to others. partiality to others.

- - The rich and the poor - unjustly judging others is an The rich and the poor - unjustly judging others is an

example of a weak faith being manifested in example of a weak faith being manifested in

unjust works (2:1-5). unjust works (2:1-5).

- God does not show partiality to anyone. Do not show - God does not show partiality to anyone. Do not show

partiality to anyone (2:5-9). partiality to anyone (2:5-9).

- Faith that Works (2:14-20).- Faith that Works (2:14-20).


Chapter 3Chapter 3

- This chapter talks about taming the tongue.- This chapter talks about taming the tongue.

- This chapter is an example of a breakdown of faith and - This chapter is an example of a breakdown of faith and

works. works.

- - What we say reveals what we are: If we can control What we say reveals what we are: If we can control

what we say, we can control what we do. Not what we say, we can control what we do. Not

controlling what we say is an example of lack of faith, controlling what we say is an example of lack of faith,

and results in lack of works (3:1-12). and results in lack of works (3:1-12).


Chapter 3Chapter 3

- St. James warns against hypocrisy in teaching and - St. James warns against hypocrisy in teaching and

counseling. He warns of the development of a self- counseling. He warns of the development of a self-

centered faith and he notes that self-centered faith will centered faith and he notes that self-centered faith will

manifest itself in self-centered works, and in this case, manifest itself in self-centered works, and in this case,

we will be helping others in an unhelpful manner we will be helping others in an unhelpful manner

(3:13-18). (3:13-18).


Chapter 3Chapter 3

- - He mentions that a wisdom that is self-seeking does He mentions that a wisdom that is self-seeking does

not descend from above but it is earthly, sensual, and not descend from above but it is earthly, sensual, and

demonic (3:15). demonic (3:15).

- He mentions that the wisdom that's from above is - He mentions that the wisdom that's from above is

pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy

and good fruits, without partiality, and without and good fruits, without partiality, and without

hypocrisy (3:17). hypocrisy (3:17).

Chapter 4Chapter 4

Quarrels in the church are yet another Quarrels in the church are yet another example of a breakdown of faith and example of a breakdown of faith and works (4:1-10)works (4:1-10)

Our desires and passions bring Our desires and passions bring disruption in the body of Christ disruption in the body of Christ

These passions are divisive, self-These passions are divisive, self-centered, of this world, energized by centered, of this world, energized by Satan, and therefore at enmity with GodSatan, and therefore at enmity with God

God does not answer prayers for our God does not answer prayers for our selfish desires selfish desires

Chapter 4Chapter 4

St. James warns of criticizing others (4:11-St. James warns of criticizing others (4:11-12).12).

Mocking criticism of others is a sign of Mocking criticism of others is a sign of pride. It is a lack of faith united with evil pride. It is a lack of faith united with evil works, an offense both to the person works, an offense both to the person criticized and to God.criticized and to God.

Always present the will of God, for you don't Always present the will of God, for you don't know what will happen tomorrow (4:13-14).know what will happen tomorrow (4:13-14).

It is sin to know to do good and yet not do it It is sin to know to do good and yet not do it (4:17)(4:17)

Chapter 5Chapter 5

The unjust rich will be condemned by The unjust rich will be condemned by their riches (5:1-6).their riches (5:1-6).

Encouragement to the oppressed (5:7-Encouragement to the oppressed (5:7-12)12)

Do not grumble against one another Do not grumble against one another (5:9)(5:9)

Job, the prophets and saints are all Job, the prophets and saints are all examples of patience and examples of patience and perseverance (5:10-11).perseverance (5:10-11).

Chapter 5Chapter 5

The role of the Church in healing the The role of the Church in healing the sick (5:13-20). sick (5:13-20).

““Is anyone among you sick? Let him Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and call for the elders of the church, and let him pray over him, anointing him let him pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” with oil in the name of the Lord.” (5:14, Mark 6:13, 16:18).(5:14, Mark 6:13, 16:18).

II. The First Epistle of II. The First Epistle of St. PeterSt. Peter

References1. Dr. Ralph Wilson

Who are the Recipients?Who are the Recipients?

"Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers

scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia,

Asia, and Bithynia...." (1 Peter 1:1)Asia, and Bithynia...." (1 Peter 1:1)

If you look at a First Century map of the Roman If you look at a First Century map of the Roman

Empire you'll see that these are Roman provinces Empire you'll see that these are Roman provinces

located in the northeast part of Asia Minor -- present-located in the northeast part of Asia Minor -- present-

day Turkey. day Turkey.

The letter's recipients are further described as The letter's recipients are further described as

"strangers", rendered rather accurately by the NRSV "strangers", rendered rather accurately by the NRSV

as "exiles of the Dispersion as "exiles of the Dispersion

Recipients of the epistle Recipients of the epistle (2)(2)

The Jews who had moved away from The Jews who had moved away from

Palestine into the cities of the Roman Palestine into the cities of the Roman

Empire were called the Diaspora, the Empire were called the Diaspora, the

Dispersion. Dispersion.

When Christianity took over the Diaspora When Christianity took over the Diaspora

(Dispersion) means the scattered (Dispersion) means the scattered

Christians among the Roman Empire Christians among the Roman Empire

Who is the Author ? Who is the Author ?

The author clearly identifies himself as Peter, an The author clearly identifies himself as Peter, an

apostle of Jesus Christ" -- an obvious reference to Peter, apostle of Jesus Christ" -- an obvious reference to Peter,

a son of Zebedee, and one of the 12 disciples.a son of Zebedee, and one of the 12 disciples.

The letter was widely quoted or alluded to by early The letter was widely quoted or alluded to by early

Christian writings by Clement of Rome (c. 96 AD), Christian writings by Clement of Rome (c. 96 AD),

Ignatius, Barnabas, Hermas, and Polycarp (baptized 69 Ignatius, Barnabas, Hermas, and Polycarp (baptized 69

AD). AD).

It was specifically identified as Peter's work by early It was specifically identified as Peter's work by early

Church Fathers such as Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of Church Fathers such as Papias, Irenaeus, Clement of

Alexandria, Tertullian, and many others.Alexandria, Tertullian, and many others.

Date of the epistle?Date of the epistle?

We should probably date this letter near We should probably date this letter near

the end of St. Peter's life in the end of St. Peter's life in 63-6463-64 AD. AD.

What is the Purpose of the What is the Purpose of the epistle? epistle? (1)(1) Suffering is a gift and a part of being Christian and we Suffering is a gift and a part of being Christian and we

can learn a lot though the experience of suffering. We are can learn a lot though the experience of suffering. We are

chosen race, royal priesthood and a holy nation.chosen race, royal priesthood and a holy nation.

To state important Virtues that we need master so we To state important Virtues that we need master so we

can faithfully serve our Lord Christ.can faithfully serve our Lord Christ.

Main VirtuesMain Virtues

1- 1- Appreciating our salvation rather than taking it for grantedAppreciating our salvation rather than taking it for granted

2- Obedience and submission which lead to sanctification.2- Obedience and submission which lead to sanctification.

3- Living in the world without being corrupted by its evil 3- Living in the world without being corrupted by its evil desires.desires.

Purpose of the epistle Purpose of the epistle (2)(2) Main Virtues:Main Virtues:

4- Imitate Christ's sacrificial lifestyle so it becomes our 4- Imitate Christ's sacrificial lifestyle so it becomes our

own. own.

5- Growing through our sufferings rather than being 5- Growing through our sufferings rather than being

defeated by them. defeated by them.

6- Being faithful in our relationships with family, 6- Being faithful in our relationships with family,

employers, and employees. employers, and employees.

7- Proudly identifying ourselves as God's people.7- Proudly identifying ourselves as God's people.

8- Getting ready for judgment (second coming) and being 8- Getting ready for judgment (second coming) and being

leaders of faith.leaders of faith.

III. The Second Epistle III. The Second Epistle of St. Peterof St. Peter

Who is the Author?Who is the Author?

Opening verse states it is written by Simon Opening verse states it is written by Simon

Peter (Saint Peter)Peter (Saint Peter)

One of the last books to be accepted into the One of the last books to be accepted into the

Canon of the New Testament. Canon of the New Testament.

Done at the Council of Laodicea in 372 Done at the Council of Laodicea in 372

Athanasius of Alexandria and Augustine were Athanasius of Alexandria and Augustine were

the main influencersthe main influencers

Important Contents of the Important Contents of the EpistleEpistle This This epistle epistle declares that it is written declares that it is written

shortly before the apostle's death (1:14). shortly before the apostle's death (1:14).

The epistle contains eleven references to The epistle contains eleven references to

the Old Testament the Old Testament

In 3:15,16 a reference is made to one of In 3:15,16 a reference is made to one of

Paul's epistles, which some have identified Paul's epistles, which some have identified

as 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.as 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11.

What is the Purpose of the epistle? What is the Purpose of the epistle?

Accusation and Condemnation of false Accusation and Condemnation of false teachers teachers

Giving the correct teachings.Giving the correct teachings.

What are the teachings of the What are the teachings of the epistle? epistle? (1)(1)

1- 1- Accusation and Condemnation of Accusation and Condemnation of

false teachers.false teachers.

Peter first proclaims that false teachers Peter first proclaims that false teachers

will arise (2:10).will arise (2:10).

Condemnation of false teachers (2:1), Condemnation of false teachers (2:1),

who not only live evil lives, but deny the who not only live evil lives, but deny the

coming of the End (3:4). coming of the End (3:4).


2- 2- Relying on the knowledge of GodRelying on the knowledge of God

and of Jesus Christ as the means of living and of Jesus Christ as the means of living

a godly life and entering the Kingdom a godly life and entering the Kingdom

(1:2-3, 2:18, 3:18)(1:2-3, 2:18, 3:18)

Introduces the idea of a final closure of Introduces the idea of a final closure of

the elements in fire (3:7, 10) which is the elements in fire (3:7, 10) which is

nowhere else in the New Testamentnowhere else in the New Testament


3- 3- Repentance and the Second Repentance and the Second

comingcoming

The Day of the Lord will surely come, The Day of the Lord will surely come,

postponed only by God’s will for all to postponed only by God’s will for all to

repent (3:9-10)repent (3:9-10)

Applies the Earlier Christian teaching, but Applies the Earlier Christian teaching, but

written at a later time.written at a later time.

Documents

NT 103: Catholic Epistles and Revelation References 1. Father Tadros Malaty - Bible Study of St. James 2. Orthodox Study Bible 3. William Barclay - The