1. The first epistle of Peter is general; written to the sojourners of the dispersion, or in other words, to the children of God scattered throughout the various parts named in the first verse. It was probably written from Babylon,—some think Rome,—about 63 or 64 A.D. The whole object of the epistle is practical, setting forth with clearness and vigor the duties devolving upon Christians, and especially comforting to those who are persecuted. The Lord also through the apostle points us down to the last days when the end of all things is at hand, fortifying His people by admonitions concerning the dangers of the end.
2. The second epistle of Peter closely resembles Jude; probably written just before the death of the apostle, about 66 to 68. It is a special message for the last days, and encouragement to those who are living amidst the darkness of apostasy. It presents before us the great light of prophecy to guide us, and the assurances of God's power to keep us.
3. The epistle of 1 John is written without date, by John, the beloved disciple, closely resembling the fourth Gospel. The date is supposed to be about 90, but it may have been written later. The place of the writing is generally thought to be Ephesus. It points out what true fellowship with God means; what true light and love mean; namely, vital relationship with God and obedience to His commandments. It also strikes against an error that was already then creeping in—a denial of the incarnation. It is splendid present truth now.
4. The second and third epistles of John will speak for themselves. Whether the first is written to a person or to a church matters little. The teaching is the same. The third was written to Gaius, or Caius. Who he was, we do not know. The epistle of Jude was probably written by the Judas who was one of the brethren of the Lord. See Matt. 13:55, and Mark 6:3. The date of its writing is between 64 and 68. It bears a striking resemblance to that of 2 Peter.
5. We are now brought to the last book of the Bible, and a book that above all others contains within itself all that has gone before. There are very few, if any, truths or prophecies which are not referred to or told over again in the book of the Revelation. In the Greek it is "The Apocalypse," meaning "disclosure," or "revelation." Note also that it is not the revelation of John, as in the title of the book, but the revelation of Jesus Christ as in the text. It is sent to the seven churches, a term that is used of the church throughout the Christian dispensation, the term "seven" indicating "completeness."
Our readings for the week carry us to the close of the prophecy of the seven seals. There is not space in these notes for any adequate explanation of the book itself. It may be divided into two parts, at the twelfth chapter. The first consists of three great prophecies spanning the Christian dispensation: The seven churches, the seven seals, the seven trumpets. Connected with the seven trumpets we have also the prophecy of the two witnesses, and of the opening of the little book of chapter 10. The last part of the book we have three prophecies covering the same ground. Rev. 12, 13, 17.
