JAMES- written 45-50 AD- The 2 1/2 minute talk treasury
James is the
English version of the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob) There are 3 James in the New
Testament (1) John's brother - Killed in 44 AD. (2) James the Lesser and (3) James the Lord's eldest? brother. Sometimes
called James the Just. He was the Lord's half brother and didn't believe his
Brother (John 7:2-5). Jesus appeared to him after the resurrection (1 Cor.
15:7). He was the first bishop of Jerusalem. James was called one of the 3
Pillars (Gal. 2:9, with John and Peter). He extended the hand of fellowship
after his conversion (Gal. 1:19) He played a key role in the Jerusalem Council
(Acts 15:13). He received Paul's report on his mission (Acts 21) He possibly
took the place of the "other" James in the 1st Presidency. He was
killed by stoning in 62 AD by Jewish leaders who took the law into their own
hands. Much of the counsel found in this epistle is
like short sermons that emphasize righteous actions above the verbal profession
of belief.. It has also been compared to the Sermon on the Mount (Matt.
5-7) Martin Luther didn't like the book. There was too much talk of works. He
said it was "an epistle filled with straw, because it contains nothing of
the gospel."
Chapter 1
Vs. 1 -
"Paul wrote to the saints of his own day, and if his doctrine and counsel
blesses us of later years, so much the better. But James addressed himself to
those of the twelve scattered tribes of Israel who belonged to the Church, that
is, to a people yet to be gathered, yet to receive the gospel, yet to come into
the fold of Christ, and if his words had import to the small cluster of saints
of Judah and Benjamin who joined the Church in the meridian of time, so much
the better." (DNTC 3:243)
Vs. 2 - Note
the JST and this scripture chain; D&C 130:20-There is a law...; Alma 7:20-he
cannot walk in crooked paths; Jacob 4:10- seek not to counsel the Lord, but to
take counsel from his hand; Alma 14:11- agency must not be interrupted; Alma
60:13 - ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain;
D&C 103:3-4 - Why the Lord allowed the Saints in Jackson County to be
persecuted; Abr. 3:5 - part of our test; D&C 136:31 - the Lord requires a
tried people; D&C 98:12-14 - I will prove you herewith; D&C 101:4-5.
JST Hebrew 11:40- without suffering you cannot be made perfect. Also D&C
54:10; 67:13 And in James; 1:3-4; 5:7-11; 1:14; 1:17; 1:19-21
"Some
are tested with poor health, some by a body that is deformed or homely. Others
are tested by handsome and healthy bodies; some by the passion of youth; others
by the erosions of old age. Some suffer disappointment in marriage; family problems
others live in poverty and obscurity. Some (perhaps this is the hardest test)
find ease and luxury. All are part of the test, and there is more equality in
this testing than sometimes we suspect." (BKPacker, Ensign Nov. 1980 p. 21)
Vs. 5 - "This single verse
of scripture has had a greater impact and a more far reaching effect upon
mankind than any other single sentence ever recorded by any prophet in any age.
It might well be said that the
crowning act of the ministry of James was not his martyrdom for the testimony
of Jesus, but his recitation, as guided by the Holy Ghost, of these
simple words which led to the opening of the heavens in modern times. “And it
might well be added that every investigator of revealed truth stands, at some
time in the course of his search, in the place where Joseph Smith stood. He
must turn to the Almighty and gain wisdom from God by revelation if he is to
gain a place on that strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life” (DNTC 3:246–47).
"Never
did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this
did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every
feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again." (JSH 1:12) “True faith
is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous
action. (DABednar CR, Apr.
2008)
Vs. 6 - Had
this wavering thing been a problem with James before his conversion?
Vs. 8 - Double-mindedness refers to fickleness, being noncommittal,
and wavering in one’s loyalty. Here in the Epistle of James it means to
vacillate in one’s commitment to the Lord.
Vs. 9-11 -
Grass and wealth-temporary and fleeting.
Vs. 12- Note
the JST.
Vs. 13-16 -
God does not tempt us, but He does test us. Gen. 22:1; D&C 101:3-5
Vs. 17- One
of the biggest differences between God and Gary. James wrote that there is “no
variableness” with God. Moroni similarly wrote that “God is the same yesterday,
today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of
changing” (Mormon 9:9; see also Moroni 8:18; D&C 20:12). God’s power is constant, as is
His love for His children. This attribute of unchangeableness permits us to
place our faith in Him.
Vs. 27 - The
President Monson verse in the President Monson book.
“The term widows is used 34
times in the scriptures. In 23 of these passages, the term refers to widows and
the fatherless. I believe the Lord has a tender feeling toward widows and the
fatherless, or orphans. He knows that they may have to rely more completely on Him
than on others. …“To the family and friends of widows, God knows of your service and He may
judge your works by how well you assist the widow. …I know that the
leaders of the Church are concerned about the welfare of widows. We members
should care for and assist the widows within our family, home, ward, and
neighborhood” ( Earl C. Tingey, Ensign, May 2000, 62–63).
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-9 -
How do we show partiality? 2 Nephi 26:33 (color of skin, gender) 3 Nephi 6:12
(Education, wealth) Alma 31:12-18 (Zoramites-Rameumpton) “We must never forget
that we live in a world of great diversity. The people of the earth are all our
Father’s children and are of many and varied religious persuasions. We must
cultivate tolerance and appreciation and respect one another. We have
differences of doctrine. This need not bring about animosity or any kind of
holier-than-thou attitude” (GBHinckle, Ensign,May 1999, 5).
Vs. 10 -
What is the maximum number of sins a person can take with him into the
Celestial Kingdom? See D&C 58:28-29; Matt. 19:16-26 (the foolish rich man);
Those who attain exaltation must be cleansed from all their sins (D&C
76:52) Certainly there are kingdoms and rewards to correspond with every level
of obedience. However, it only takes one area of deficiency to keep us from all
that our Father hath. (D&C 84:38) Thankfully, we have been given a
probationary time to learn total obedience. Mosiah 4:27
Vs. 14-21 -
Note the JST
Chapter 3
Vs. 2-12 If
we learn to control our tongue, we can control? "Whenever you get red in
the face, whenever you raise your voice, whenever you get hot under the collar
or angry, rebellious, or negative in spirit, then know that the Spirit of God
is leaving you and the spirit of Satan is beginning to take over."
(Theodore M. Burton, Ensign, Nov. 1974 p. 56)
Vs. 14 -
Envy is resentment over the good fortune of others. Strife is contention for
superiority. And desire for superiority is the quintessential characteristic of
Satan. (Moses 4:1)
Chapter 4
Vs. 1-12 -
Double-mindedness means being torn between two enticements, being tossed to and
fro by divided loyalties, attempting to give attention to both simultaneously,
or devoting oneself to one and then the other, alternately. Either approach is
fruitless, leaving the person fragmented and ineffective in both camps. Such an
approach pleased the devil but not the Lord. He says no other Gods; seek first
the kingdom of God; no man can serve two masters; put on the whole armor of
God; experience a mighty change of heart; be firm and immovable. In a
pluralistic world, some may see this posture as narrow, even bigoted and
arrogant. The Savior was none of these. What do we do? See 4:4; 3:10; 1:8
vs. 3- God sees things as they really are and as they will
become. We don’t! In order to tap that precious perspective during our prayers,
we must rely upon the promptings of the Holy Ghost. With access to that kind of
knowledge, we would then pray for what we and others should have—really have. With the Spirit prompting us, we
will not ask ‘amiss’” (NAMaxwell, “What Should We Pray For?” in Prayer [2005],
23)
Vs. 17- “I fear that some of our
greatest sins are sins of omission. … These are the thoughtful, caring deeds we
fail to do and feel so guilty for having neglected them” (JEFaust, Ensign, Nov.
1997)
Chapter 5
Vs. 1-6 - At
3 points in his epistle, James discusses riches, twice to warn about how
transitory they are (1:9-11, 5:1-6) and once to decry using them as the reason
for giving respect or honored social position (2:1-13). What is our attitude
about riches and what do the scriptures say? D&C 59:16-20; James 2:1-9; 5:1-6;
(Hedonism is a school of thought which argues that pleasure is the only
intrinsic good), D&C 38:39; 3 Nephi 6:10-14; 4 Nephi 1:23-26; Jacob 2:18-19
Vs. 4 -
Sabaoth has nothing to do with Sabbath. It comes from the Hebrew tzava'ot which
means hosts. Christ is the Lord of Hosts.
Vs. 14 - Why
olive oil? Anciently olive oil was considered to be the cleanest, clearest,
brightest burning, and longest lasting of all the animal and vegetable oils. It
was the purest of oils and would thus be appropriate for holy anointings. It
was used to anoint; the tabernacle & parts thereof (Ex. 30:24-31),
prophets, priests and kings, (1 Sam. 10:1, 16:13, 1 Kings 1:34, 39, 19:15-16.
The word "Messiah" means-the anointed one. Pure olive oil is the
symbol of the Savior himself and of his atonement. The Garden of Gethsemane
(oil press in Hebrew). In the Garden, Jesus became like unto the olive, whose
oil is pressed out. Throughout
the ages the kingdom of God on earth has used symbols-physical objects and
substances representing sacred powers and practices. Baptism- the water does
not cleanse, it is the faith and repentance that allows God to remit sin. The
sacrament symbols represent the body and blood of the Savior, but they have no
redeeming value. So it is with administration to the sick: we apply hands and
oil, the physical touch and the tangible substance, in the ordinance, but the
hand and the oil do not heal. It is faith in Jesus Christ and his power that
heal. The pure olive oil is the symbol of the greatest healing agent in the
universe-Christ and his atonement. If there is no oil, then they should
administer by the laying on of hands in the power of the priesthood and in the
prayer of faith. (paraphrased from Ogden, p. 271-2)
Vs. 19-20 -
"Every person who is beginning the long journey of emancipating himself
from the thralldom ((n) the state of being under the control of
another person) of sin and
evil will find comfort in the thought expressed by James. We could expand it
somewhat and remind the transgressor that every testimony he bears, every
prayer he offers, every sermon he preaches, every scripture he reads, every
help he gives to stimulate and raise others-all these strengthen him and raise
him to higher levels. The proper motivation for missionary work of any kind, as
for all Church service, is of course love for fellowmen, but always such work
has its by-product effect on one's own life. thus as we become instruments in
God's hands in changing the lives of others our own lives cannot help but be
lifted. One can hardly help another to the top of the hill without climbing
there himself. (SWK - Miracle of
Forgiveness, p. 205)
I & II PETER- 212-16
Rank the
people in the New Testament in importance. Jesus - Then Peter. Joseph Smith
said, “Peter penned the most sublime language of any of the apostles,” (TPJS p.
301) BRM said he referred to both language and doctrine.
What do you
know about Peter: 1) First Presidency of Church with James and John 2) Received the keys of the kingdom on Mount
of Transfiguration. (Matt. 17:1-3) 3) 3) From Bethsaida but lived in Capernaum
and had a home there. Home seemed to be
the headquarters of Church in Galilee. Andrew, his brother his wife and at least for
a while his mother-in law lived there. Archaeologists think they have found his
home.
Peter’s names- 1. Simon = Shim’on
or anglicized as Simeon 2. Cephas = which is by interpretation, a seer, or
a stone. (JST John 1:42)- This was not simply the offhanded bestowal of a
convenient nickname as some have supposed. Rather, it was the application of a
sacred and ancient principle, which is still administered in our own day.
Whenever a new or higher level of commitment is made to the Lord and
administered by the Lord or His servants, those disciples who agree to live on
a higher plane or commit to a higher covenant, receive a new name, just as the
scriptures of the Restoration teach. (See Mosiah 5:9-12); D&C 130:11.) In
this case, the new name, Aramaic Kepha’ (anglicized as Cephas) is the
equivalent of the Greek Petros or Peter meaning stone. But Joseph Smith
presents an expanded interpretation of The Savior’s intention by describing the
meaning as “a seer or a stone,” thus implying that the new name is better
understood as “seer stone.” Simon’s new name reflected something of his mature
role as “seer stone” or revelatory anchor of God’s earthly kingdom. In other
words, just as a seer stone is an instrument of revelation, the Savior was
outlining the future role of the chief Apostle by saying, in effect, Peter
would be the instrument through whom revelation for the Church would come. (See
Acts 10)
Peter’s calling came in stages; 1. He was a follower of John the
Baptist and was looking for the Messiah. (See Acts 1:21-22) 2.
Peter leaves John and follows Jesus. (John 1:35-42) 3.
Jesus calls Peter to leave his fishing and follow Jesus (Luke 5:2-11) First as
a disciple. The Greek word for disciple,” mathetes, is the equivalent of
the Hebrew talmud and means learner or pupil/student. The rabbis taught
that continual and intimate association with one’s teacher was an integral part
of the learning process. And so it was with the disciples of Jesus. However, unlike
the disciples of the other great rabbis of intertestamental Judaism, who were
encouraged to choose for themselves their own master or teacher, Peter and his
associates were reminded that they had been chosen by the Master (John 15:16). 4.
The call to the apostleship (Luke 6:12-16)
5. Notice that when the
apostles are named, Peter is always first (Mark 1:36; 16:7; Luke 8:45; 9:45; 9:32. 6.
Peter is often the spokesman for the group of apostles. a.
Matthew 16:13-16 b. John 6:66-69 -
After Bread of Life Sermon
D&C 132:7 - One man on the
earth at a time 1. Apostolic seniority-
Even how they enter and leave a room. a.
Elder Haight and President Romney - Afraid I’m going to steal something. b. John 20:2-6- John waited for Peter to
enter the tomb
Matt. 16:16-19
Anyone who has stood at the bedrock base of Mount Hermon can almost
picture the Savior riveting His gaze upon Peter and saying to the chief
Apostle, “You are Petros (small stone or rock) Then in the same breath,
pointing to the bedrock face of the mountainside near where they stood, Jesus
declared, “and upon this petra, (meaning bedrock) I will build my
Church. .... The Church including leaders, members, ordinances, and activities,
was built upon the foundation of revelation, more specifically the personal
revelation that Jesus is the Messiah, the actual son of God, and the ultimate
head of the church.
Mount of Transfiguration; Witness to Miracles; Walking on water; The last Supper
(Preparation, Peter asked for the identity of the betrayer, refused to allow
Jesus to wash his feet, Jesus predicts that Peter will deny him and then that
Peter will be faithful (Luke 22:31-32); Peter’s
denial; remember the sword - D&C
49:11-14
Not a prediction, a command (SWK)
1 Peter- 64 AD from
Rome- Read as a General Conference talk by the President of the
Church. 1) How to respond to trials 2) Warnings of bad times ahead 3) Reminds
people that they are a chosen generation, foreordained to be members of the
Church in their time.
Chapter 1 Vs. 1& 2 - Elect because of Foreordination - See Abraham 3:22-24;
TPJS p. 365 (Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the
world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before
this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand
Council."
Vs. 5 - salvation and exaltation are often synonymous in the scriptures Vs. 7 - Another
reminder to rejoice in our trials - See 2 Cor. 4:17; D&C 58:4; 121:7-8
Vs. 9 The object of your faith is
salvation=exaltation Vs.
13-16 - Peter's 1st admonition - Be
holy in all your conversation (conduct) as Jesus was holy.
Vs. 22 - Peter's 2nd admonition
- See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently, without respect of
persons as God. (vs. 17)
Vs. 24-25 - What matters for a long time.
Chapter 2 Vs.
9 - Followers of Christ have always been peculiar. How are we? (Ex. 19:5-6) Vs. 11-12 - Peter's 3rd admonition, abstain from
fleshly lusts, which war against the soul to be good examples to the gentiles. Vs.
13-16 - Peter's 4th admonition,
follow the law of the land
Vs. 18-25 - Peter's 5th admonition,
be faithful to your master, even if they treat you badly. Remember that Christ
did not deserve his treatment.
Chapter 3
Vs. 1-6 - Peter's 6th admonition, to wives. Be an
example
Vs. 7 - Peter's 7th admonition
to husbands. Give honor to wives. Vs.
8 - Peter's 8th admonition. Be of one
mind. The golden rule.
Vs. 15 - quoted by President Monson in Oct. 2011 Priesthood Conf. -
"If we are prepared to share the gospel, we are ready to respond to the
counsel of the Apostle Peter, who urged, "Be ready always to give an
answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." Vs.
18-20- The verses which prompted President Joseph F. Smith to receive his great
revelation today D&C 138.
Chapter 4 Vs. 1,6 & 8 - Note the JST
Vs. 12-16 - Verses given to prepare the Saint's in Rome for the
Persecutions by Nero, that pertain to us today. We live lives of gratitude for previous
sufferers. Pioneers, Joseph of Egypt, Joseph Smith, Jesus.
Chapter 5 - Great
Counsel - note vs. 2, 5, 7.
2 Peter - Written to a more select
group than 1 Peter. It was written to members of the Church with testimonies,
like unto Peter. It was written in Rome shortly before Peter was crucified. Chapter 1 - See Godly Characteristics of the Master,
President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign Nov. 1986; 3 Nephi 27:27 - then, "The
apostle Peter spoke of the process by which a person can be made a partaker of
the divine nature. This is important, for if we truly become partakers of the
divine nature, we shall become like Him...The first characteristic, to which
all the others are added, is faith. Faith is the foundation upon which a
godlike character is built. It is a prerequisite for all other virtues. When I
think of how we show faith. I cannot help but think of the example of my own
father. Peter goes on to say that we
must add to our faith virtue. Virtuous behavior implies that he has pure
thoughts and clean action. He will not lust in his heart, for to do so is to
deny the faith and to lose the Spirit (D&C 42:23)-and there is nothing more
important in this work than the Spirit...Knowledge-While any study of truth is
of value, the truths of salvation are the most important truths any person can
learn...Temperance, This means restrained in our emotions and verbal
expressions. Things done in moderation and not being given to overindulgence,
self-control. The master of emotions...Patience, the ability to postpone
gratification and to bridle ones passions. A patient man also waits on the
Lord. We sometimes hear of people who seek a blessing, then grow impatient when
it does not come swiftly. Part of the divine nature is to trust in the Lord
enough to be still and know that I am God...[Godliness-You consider your
accomplishment important only if they help establish His kingdom on earth.
Russell M. Nelson Ensign, Nov. 1986. p. 47], brotherly kindness, Kindness is
extended to all-the aged, the young, animals to those low of station as well of
those of high...Charity-If we would truly seek to be more like our Savior, then
learning to love as he loves should be our highest goal. Charity never seeks self-gratification, only the eternal
growth and joy of others." (paraphrased) "to be a partaker of the
divine nature is to know the power of God and to experience the Holy Ghost in
one's life." (DOMckay- Conference Report, April 1963, p. 95)
Vs. 10- See DNTC
3:325-350; D&C 131:5; Marion G.
Romney Conference Report, October 1965 p. 22; History of the Church 3 380,
388-389; TPJS p. 298
Vs. 16-18 - Mount of Transfiguration
Vs. 19-21 All scripture comes by the power of the Holy Ghost, no
matter what age of the earth is involved, and must and can be interpreted only
by the same power." (DNTC 3:356)
Chapter 2- Vs. 13 "Sporting
themselves with their own deceiving while they feast with you" that is
proudly showing off their churchiness while inwardly being out of
harmony. Murmuring may be described as half-suppressed complaint or grumbling.
We count ourselves "in" because we're not openly critical, but behind
the scenes we're disloyal. (Ogden, p. 287)
3 Johns &Jude
1. The Beloved. 2.
John the Divine or the Diviner 3.
Son of Thunder or Son of Zebedee 4. Brother of James. 5.
Fisherman 6. 2nd most prolific author of New Testament (Gospel of John, 3
epistles and Book of Revelation) 7. Member of original 12 Apostles 8.
Member of 1st Presidency 9. Translated-he has not yet died 10. Received 2nd Comforter 11. Helped restore Melchizedek
Priesthood. 12. Present with Jesus,
Peter and James on special occasions; Raising of Jairus’ daughter, Mt. of
Transfiguration, Gethsemane . 13. It
was this John who Jesus asked to take care of His mother has he hung from the
cross. 14. Rumor has it that he gets
together with the 3 Nephites on Friday evenings for a rousing game of Rook. 15. See 1 Nephi 14; Ether 4:16; D&C
7; 27:12)
Without the additional truth that modern
revelation supplies, the information contained in John 21:20–23 is ambiguous
enough to have fostered a great deal of confusion concerning the fate of John
the Beloved. Interest in the fate of John was alive and well in the days of
Joseph Smith. For example, Adam Clarke, a scholar who published a comprehensive
commentary on the Bible at the beginning of the nineteenth century, stated:
“Some have concluded from these words [in John 21:22] that John should never
die. Many eminent men, ancients and moderns, have been and
are of this opinion. . . . For nearly eighteen hundred years, the greatest men
in the world have been puzzled with this passage. It would appear intolerable
in me to attempt to decide, where so many eminent doctors have
disagreed, and do still disagree." With Joseph’s and Oliver’s interest in
religion, they had likely already been exposed to this debate. Hence, when the
topic came up again—either spontaneously or as a result of translating the Book
of Mormon—they naturally wanted to know what had happened to John.
Latter-day scripture not only confirms that John
did not die but also provides valuable information about translated beings.
During His mortal ministry, the Savior declared to His Apostles, “There be some
standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man
coming in his kingdom” (Matthew 16:28; see also Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). John
apparently desired to fulfill this prophecy. According to the translated
parchment, John asked the Savior for “power over death” so that he might “live
and bring souls unto thee” (D&C 7:2). The Lord responded by confirming to
John that he would “tarry until I come in my glory” (D&C 7:3)—in other
words, he would be translated.
What does it mean to be translated? The Greek
verb used in Hebrews 11:5 is metatithemi and can mean “to effect a
change in state or condition” as well as “to convey from one place to another.”[37]
Because of its association with the biblical story of Enoch, by the time of the
Prophet Joseph Smith the word translated was understood not only to mean
“conveyed from one place to another” but specifically “removed to heaven
without dying.”[38]
It is noteworthy that when discussing the doctrine of translation, latter—day
scripture includes important information concerning changes to the condition of
an individual’s body (see 3 Nephi 28:7, 37–38).
The primary mission of translated beings is
sharing the gospel. John’s request included the desire to “live and bring souls
unto [Christ]” (D&C 7:2). The Savior promised John that he would “prophesy
before nations, kindreds, tongues and people” (D&C 7:3) and then explained
to Peter that John would “minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation
who dwell on the earth” (D&C 7:6). The Lord explained that John the Beloved
would continue his ministry until the Second Coming (see D&C 7:3). At the
time of the Savior’s triumphant return, translated beings will “receive a
greater change” (3 Nephi 28:40; see also v. 39), namely instantaneous
resurrection. The Savior instructed the Three Nephites that when He would
return in His glory, they would be “changed in the twinkling of an eye from
mortality to immortality” (3 Nephi 28:8). At that point they would “be received
into the kingdom of the Father to go no more out, but to dwell with God
eternally in the heavens” (3 Nephi 28:40), and there they would experience a “fullness
of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).
In the latter days, we have greater revealed knowledge about
John the Beloved, yet verifiable eyewitness accounts are extremely limited.[43]
There is an important reason for this. Concerning the translated Three
Nephites, the prophet Mormon explained that as they preached the gospel, the
Jews and the Gentiles “shall know them not” (3 Nephi 28:27–28). The fact that
the Three Nephites appeared to the prophet Mormon as well as to his son Moroni
illustrates that translated beings “can show themselves unto whatsoever man it
seemeth them good” (3 Nephi 28:30), especially to the prophets (see 3 Nephi
28:24–26; Mormon 8:10–11). But the implication of 3 Nephi 28:27–28 remains that
translated individuals will not normally be recognized by the general populace.
(John the Beloved in
Latter-day Scripture (D&C 7)Frank F. Judd Jr. and Terry L. Szink)
Red: quite close to voice of Jesus Pink: somewhat close
to the voice of Jesus Gray: large undecided category
which needs further study Black: voice of the community
"What is most shocking is the list of statement that they have declared
are not the voice of Jesus. This list includes all passages that speak of Jesus
having an exalted status, passages in which such words as Messiah, Son of God,
light of the world, bread of life, and so forth are used, plus, all passages
that speak of Jesus dying for the sins of the world; all the end-of-the-world
or second coming passages and essentially all of the Gospel of John. (Jonn D.
Claybaugh, "What the Latter-day Scriptures Teach About John the
Beloved" in The Testimony of John the Beloved" p. p. 17-18)
1 John -
70-90 AD - A response to Gnosticism (the body is evil and the spirit is good- Teachings;
fellowship, obedience, light and darkness, love, anti-Christ, being like God,
and the intercession of Christ. "Love"
is mentioned 49 times in 1, 2 & 3rd John.
Chapter 1
Vs. 1-3 - John's testimony to those who hadn't seen Christ
that he was a physical reality, separate from his Father. We heard him, We saw
him, We touched him.
Vs. 5 - Jesus is the Light of the World. (John 1:4-9; 8:12;
9:1-5; D&C 50:23-24; 88:67-68)
Vs. 8-10- What % of people in the world have sinned? What
must all therefore do? See Romans 3:23
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-2 - Note D&C 45:3-5- Propitiation is the process
whereby someone's wrath is either averted or satisfied, resulting in mercy
being received. to appease or conciliate.
Vs. 8-11- There is no room for hate in the heart of a
Latter-day Saint.
Vs. 15 & 16 - No man can serve 2 masters. Do we love the
world or the Lord?
Vs. 23 - The italicized ending of this verse does not appear
in the Greek manuscrpts; it was added from the Latin Vulgate. See BD
"Vulgate"
Chapter 3
-
Vs. 21 - "An actual knowledge to any person, that the
course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially
necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person
can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure
al their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of
their goods, know (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring
substance." (Lectures on Faith, 6:2)
Chapter 5
Vs. 7 - The Johannine Comma- The KJV has added words in this
verse not found in any Greek manuscripts nor in any translation prior to the
16th century. Thus, the phrases, "bear record in heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one. And there are three that
bear witness in earth" are a late addition. The members of the Godhead are
one in purpose, not in physicality or entity. (Ogden p. 296)
2 John -
90 AD - Possibly written to John's own family. Vs. 7 - A warning to beware of
those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh.
3 John -
90 AD - Addressed to a local leader named Gaius who he encourages in his work.
He also names Demetrius as one who has done well, and warns of Diotrephes who
apparently was an apostate local leader who did not recognize the visiting
apostles.
Verse is one of my favorite verses in scripture.
Jude - A
half brother of Jesus and a brother of James. No date or location is given. See Jude in BD.
Vs. 4- Note the methodology used in apostasy, "men
crept in unawares, who were before ordained to this condemnation."
Vs. 6- The only place in the Bible where those who followed
Lucifer in the pre-earth are referred to as those who "kept not their
first estate." See Abraham 3:24-28.
Vs, 9 - See TPJS p. 157-158
Vs. 14-16 - Jude had access to a prophecy where Enoch
prophesied of the Savior's 2nd Coming. (See TPJS p. 170)
