Joyful Moments in Christ

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 48 – 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation 1-2

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 48 - 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation 1-2

Week 48: Exploring 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation 1-2

In week 48 of our quest to read the New Testament in a year, we will explore the letters of 2 John, 3 John, and Jude, followed by the opening two chapters of Revelation. These readings bring both encouragement and caution for believers, urging us to live faithfully in truth and love while remaining vigilant against false teachings. John’s letters emphasize the importance of walking in obedience to God’s commands, extending hospitality, and supporting those who work for the truth. Jude’s letter warns against deception and encourages believers to strengthen their faith in preparation for Christ’s return. As we begin Revelation, we will read about John’s vision of the glorified Christ, who delivers messages to the seven churches. Through these chapters, we will be challenged to grow in love, faithfulness, and spiritual discernment, holding fast to the truth and staying prepared for the future Christ has promised.

2 John

2 John 1:5 (ESV): And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

The single chapter of 2 John encourages believers to remain in the truth and warns against those who deceive or deny Christ. John emphasizes the command to love one another and to walk in obedience to God’s commands. He urges caution against false teachings, reminding believers of the importance of holding firmly to their faith.

3 John

3 John 1:11 (ESV): Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.

3 John focuses on showing hospitality and supporting those who work for the truth. John commends Gaius for his faithfulness in welcoming traveling believers, contrasting this with Diotrephes, who hinders others from showing hospitality. The chapter underscores the importance of doing good and supporting faithful ministry.

Jude

Jude 1:21-23 (ESV): Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

In his letter, Jude warns believers about false teachers who distort the truth and lead others astray. He urges them to contend for the faith and reminds them of past judgments on those who rebelled. Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in faith, pray, and keep themselves in God’s love, waiting for Christ’s mercy and passing on that mercy to others.

Revelation 1

Revelation 1:8 (ESV): “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

In Revelation 1, John receives a vision of Jesus Christ, who appears in glory and power. Jesus instructs John to write letters to the seven churches. The chapter sets the tone for Revelation, highlighting Christ’s authority and eternal nature.

Revelation 2

Revelation 2:7 (ESV): He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

In Revelation 2, Jesus addresses four of the seven churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thyatira. He commends them for their strengths, but also calls out areas needing repentance and improvement. Each message is tailored to the church’s specific circumstances, offering both encouragement and warnings to remain faithful.

Week 48: New Testament Reading Assignment

Each week, we will read 5 chapters of the New Testament. Some people may prefer to read during the weekdays, while others might enjoy doing most of their reading on the weekends. Choose the method that works best for you!

Printable Resource:

Reading Plan: New Testament in 1 Year

Week 48: Reflection Questions for 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation 1-2

Consider the following reflection questions:

2 John: Love and Faithfulness to Truth

  1. How does walking in truth strengthen our faith, and what steps can we take to remain in truth?
  2. How does John define love, and in what ways can we demonstrate love through obedience?
  3. Why is it important to be vigilant about false teachings, and how can we recognize truth in our faith journey?
  4. What does it mean to “walk in obedience,” and how can we align our actions with God’s commands?
  5. How can we support one another in staying true to the teachings of Christ?

3 John: Hospitality and Support for the Faithful

  1. How does showing hospitality to fellow believers strengthen the church, and what ways can we support each other’s faith?
  2. What does it mean to “imitate what is good,” and how can we reflect this in our relationships?
  3. How does John’s praise for Gaius’ faithfulness inspire us to serve others, and what acts of service can we perform?
  4. Why is it important to support those who work for the truth, and how can we encourage their efforts?
  5. How does this chapter contrast good and evil actions, and how can we choose good in all situations?

Jude: Guarding Against False Teaching

  1. How does Jude’s call to “contend for the faith” challenge us, and how can we protect ourselves from false teachings?
  2. What examples does Jude use to warn against rebellion, and how can we learn from these lessons?
  3. How does building ourselves up in faith strengthen us, and what practices help us stay strong?
  4. Why is it important to remain in God’s love, and in what ways can we experience His love daily?
  5. How can we prepare for Christ’s return with a spirit of expectation?

Revelation 1: Christ’s Revelation to John

  1. How does John’s vision of Christ emphasize His glory, and how can we reverence His authority?
  2. What significance does Jesus being the “Alpha and Omega” hold, and how does this impact our understanding of eternity?
  3. How does Jesus’ instruction to write to the seven churches reveal His concern for His followers, and how can we heed His words?
  4. How can we prepare to receive and understand Revelation’s message, and how can it deepen our faith?
  5. How does John’s encounter with Jesus inspire us to remain faithful, and in what ways can we worship Him daily?

Revelation 2: Messages to the Churches

  1. What does Jesus commend each church for, and how can these virtues be applied in our own lives?
  2. How does Jesus challenge each church’s weaknesses, and what can we learn from these warnings?
  3. What does Jesus mean by “conquering,” and how can we overcome spiritual challenges in our lives?
  4. How does each church’s situation reflect different aspects of faithfulness, and in what areas do we need growth?
  5. How can we stay attuned to the Spirit’s guidance, and in what ways can we encourage our church community?
Reflection Questions 2 John How does walking in truth strengthen our faith, and what steps can we take to remain in truth? How does John define love, and in what ways can we demonstrate love through obedience? Why is it important to be vigilant about false teachings, and how can we recognize truth in our faith journey? What does it mean to “walk in obedience,” and how can we align our actions with God’s commands? How can we support one another in staying true to the teachings of Christ?
Reflection Questions 3 John How does showing hospitality to fellow believers strengthen the church, and what ways can we support each other’s faith? What does it mean to “imitate what is good,” and how can we reflect this in our relationships? How does John’s praise for Gaius’ faithfulness inspire us to serve others, and what acts of service can we perform? Why is it important to support those who work for the truth, and how can we encourage their efforts? How does this chapter contrast good and evil actions, and how can we choose good in all situations?
Reflection Questions Jude How does Jude’s call to “contend for the faith” challenge us, and how can we protect ourselves from false teachings? What examples does Jude use to warn against rebellion, and how can we learn from these lessons? How does building ourselves up in faith strengthen us, and what practices help us stay strong? Why is it important to remain in God’s love, and in what ways can we experience His love daily? How can we prepare for Christ’s return with a spirit of expectation?
Reflection Questions Revelation 1 How does John’s vision of Christ emphasize His glory, and how can we reverence His authority? What significance does Jesus being the “Alpha and Omega” hold, and how does this impact our understanding of eternity? How does Jesus’ instruction to write to the seven churches reveal His concern for His followers, and how can we heed His words? How can we prepare to receive and understand Revelation’s message, and how can it deepen our faith? How does John’s encounter with Jesus inspire us to remain faithful, and in what ways can we worship Him daily?
Reflection Questions Revelation 2 What does Jesus commend each church for, and how can these virtues be applied in our own lives? How does Jesus challenge each church’s weaknesses, and what can we learn from these warnings? What does Jesus mean by "conquering," and how can we overcome spiritual challenges in our lives? How does each church’s situation reflect different aspects of faithfulness, and in what areas do we need growth? How can we stay attuned to the Spirit’s guidance, and in what ways can we encourage our church community?

Reflective Prayer

Choose a few verses or topics from these chapters and pray over them. Consider using the ACTS method — Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication:

  • Adoration: Praise God. What specific characteristics of God do these readings bring to mind?
  • Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. What specific sins do these readings bring to mind?
  • Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. What in these readings inspires gratitude?
  • Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. What in these readings inspires a prayer?

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Read the New Testament in a Year: Week 48 - 2 John, 3 John, Jude, and Revelation 1-2
2 John 1:5 (ESV): And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
3 John 1:11 (ESV): Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
Jude 1:21-23 (ESV): Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.
Revelation 1:8 (ESV): “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 2:7 (ESV): He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Other Reading Plans

Old Testament in 3 Years
Whole Bible: Daily
Whole Bible: 5 Day/Week
Whole Bible: Weekly

Online Resources

Read the Bible in a Year: Blog Series

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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

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