Church Life 101: The Study of Titus, 1,2,3 John

An Introduction to Church Life 101 Paul’s Letter to Titus

According to the first verse of the book of Titus, the apostle Paul is its author. Titus was one of Paul’s earliest converts, and he received this letter from Paul while living on the Island of Crete. Paul’s purpose in this letter is threefold: to encourage Titus, give direction and instruction to leaders and members of the early church, and request that his friends come to spend the winter with him.  This letter addresses a wide variety of church topics and traits required for certain leadership roles to responses to false doctrines. 

The Letters of John

Each of these three letters is accepted by most Biblical scholars to have been authored by the Apostle John.

I John - This letter of John was most likely addressed to Christians living in Roman Asia – most notably those who also received John’s Gospel, the church at Ephesus. The primary intention of this letter is to combat false doctrines that were prevalent at the time that challenged Jesus’ role as the Messiah and led people to live in sin. 

II John - This letter was written to a Christian lady or congregation. If the audience here was a specific person, her identity is unknown. Similarly to I John, this letter addresses false teaching, through on a slightly more personal level, and encourages the Christian lady to continue in love. 

III John - This letter is quite different than 1 John and 2 John. It is written to Paul’s friend Gaius, and encourages him to continue in hospitality to those of the faith – and warns against associating with some others.