Podcast Summary: The Bible Recap – Day 361 (2 John 1, 3 John 1) - Year 6

Host: Tara-Leigh Cobble
Release Date: December 27, 2024

Introduction

In Day 361 of "The Bible Recap," host Tara-Leigh Cobble delves into the books of 2 John and 3 John, marking the completion of Books 25 and 26 in the series. As the congregation approaches the final book of the Bible, Cobble sets the stage for understanding the authorship, key themes, and practical applications of these epistles.

Authorship and Historical Context

Cobble begins by discussing the likely author of these letters, identifying him as John the Apostle, also known as "the elder" and "the disciple Jesus loved." She notes that while alternative theories exist, historical consensus attributes these writings to John, who is also credited with the Gospel of John, First John, and Revelation. The designation "elder" was a traditional title for pastoral leaders in the early church, underscoring John's authoritative role.

Addressing the Elect Lady: Understanding the Recipients

The letters are addressed to the "elect lady," a term interpreted not literally as a single woman but metaphorically representing a specific church—the bride of Christ and God's chosen community. Cobble explains:

“When John uses the word you in this book, it's typically the plural form of the word you... he refers to the Hebrew for y'all or you guys.”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [05:45]

This collective address emphasizes the inclusivity and communal nature of the church, highlighting the collective identity of believers.

Core Themes: Love and Truth

A central theme Cobble explores is the balance between love and truth within the church. She emphasizes that:

“Love without truth is foolish. Truth without love is arrogant.”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [12:30]

John advocates for a harmonious blend of these virtues, mirroring Christ's example. By obeying Jesus's commandments, believers embody both love and truth, fostering a supportive and authentic community.

Unity and Discernment in the Church

Cobble addresses the challenges of maintaining unity in the church, especially in the face of internal conflicts and false teachings. She underscores the importance of:

• Healing Wounds: Acknowledging that both the church and its members are imperfect, God extends grace to mend relationships and restore unity.

• Discernment: John advises the church to exercise discernment, being cautious about whom to welcome into the community to prevent the spread of false doctrines.

“It's easy to think that just because we're listening to a pastor or teacher or leader who claims to be a Christian that their words are all true... the enemy loves to set up camp in the church and try to deceive both its members and its leaders.”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [20:15]

Confronting False Teachers

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the presence of false teachers and the strategies to counter their influence:

• Warnings and Encouragements: John follows a pattern of cautioning believers to remain steadfast in true teachings while encouraging them that those authentically in Christ will persevere.

• Exclusion of Antichrists: The term "antichrists" refers to individuals who deny Jesus as Lord, establishing a clear boundary between truth and deception.

“In Matthew 12, Jesus said, 'He who is not with me is against me.' Apparently it's not a sliding scale, so in a technical sense, any unbeliever, anyone who denies Jesus is God is an antichrist.”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [27:50]

Personal Correspondence: Gaius and Diotrephes

Cobble highlights the personal elements in 3 John, where John addresses a believer named Gaius. Despite limited historical information about Gaius, his commendable support for the church is evident:

“John encourages Gaius by telling him he's hearing good things about him behind his back... He tells him to keep at it, to support them in a manner worthy of God...”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [34:10]

Conversely, John warns against Diotrephes, a disruptor seeking authority within the church. John plans to confront Diotrephes personally but urges Gaius to remain vigilant to prevent further chaos.

Living Out Faith: Imitating God's Character

In response to internal strife and external threats, Cobble emphasizes the call to imitate God's character:

“He encourages Gaius to imitate those who display God's character and goodness to the world around them.”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [38:20]

This imitation fosters a community reflective of Christ’s love and truth, serving as a testimony to the broader world.

Conclusion and Transition to Revelation

As the episode wraps up, Cobble transitions to the impending study of Revelation, reassuring listeners not to fear the complexity of the book. She provides resources, such as overview videos, to aid in understanding the prophetic visions and their significance.

“Don't stress out about [Revelation]. We're linking to an overview video in the show notes that covers the first part of the book...”
– Tara Leigh Cobble [45:00]

Cobble also mentions a special sale for listeners to access TBR (The Bible Recap) products, encouraging continued engagement and study.

Final Thoughts

Day 361 offers a profound exploration of 2 John and 3 John, highlighting the delicate balance of love and truth, the necessity of discernment, and the enduring call to imitate Christ’s character. Tara-Leigh Cobble effectively equips listeners with insights to navigate both historical and contemporary challenges within the church, fostering a resilient and unified faith community.