We now conclude our meditation on the general letters of the New Testament. Though shorter than the other NT books, these general epistles are not theologically or spiritually minor. They address major themes and carry great devotional value for Christian meditation and study.

The book of James is a down-to-earth, “show me” kind of communication. Often juxtaposed with Paul’s writings on “by grace . . . through faith” (Eph. 2:9), James addresses how faith must be practical and evidential and not just esoteric. Central to his emphasis is this poignant challenge: “[S]how me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). He also covers suffering, temptation, partiality in the church, problems with our tongues, quarreling, patience, and prayer for the sick.

In the two letters Peter wrote to scattered, persecuted Christians, he covers a wide swath of topics, emphasizing Christlike living while suffering. Though he experienced Jesus as an eyewitness, he writes that we have the greater witness of Scripture. He also touches on marriage, authority, church leadership, holiness, false prophets, the inspiration of Scripture, end-times prophecy, and judgment on the wicked.

The three letters of John provide a fascinating look at the direct teaching of John. These contrast with his other writings: the Gospel According to John, which is a theological-historical biography of the life of Christ, and the Book of the Revelation, which is a recording of judgment on the churches and what will happen in the future when the Lord returns. The three letters are John’s personal correspondence and teaching to the faithful. In the first, he covers the grand topics of love and life, reflecting his gospel account’s themes, tone, and style. He writes of his fantastic eyewitness experience with the earthly Jesus but desires for us to share in the same spiritual fellowship. He emphasizes faith and its assurance, along with our salvation and our security. His second and third letters deal briefly with false teachers and remaining faithful to apostolic teaching.

Finally comes the letter of Jude, which is a polemic against the distortion of grace and a call to God’s glory as our ultimate focus.

These letters encourage believers to continue living faithfully for the Lord in anticipation of His soon return. Praise God for preserving them for us, for our spiritual growth and for the knowledge we gain from them. We conclude this study by echoing the words of the apostle Peter as our prayer:

Lord, may I “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).