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Introduction to Revelation: Victory Belongs To Christ

Introduction to Revelation: Victory Belongs To Christ Collin Leong. October 6, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1. Author and His Background Author : Identified as John , traditionally understood to be John the Apostle , son of Zebedee and author of the Gospel of John and the three epistles. Background : John received the visions while exiled on the island of Patmos for his faith (Revelation 1:9). Early church fathers like Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian affirmed apostolic authorship. His writing in Revelation is more apocalyptic and symbolic than his other works, but shares theological parallels—especially the portrayal of Jesus as the Lamb and the Word. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Originally addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (Revelation 2–3). Background : These churches were facing persecution, compromise, and doctrinal challenges . Revelation ...
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Introduction to Jude: Keep God's and Jesus' Love and Mercy

Introduction to Jude: Keep God's and Jesus' Love and Mercy Collin Leong. October 5, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Jude, also known as Judas , the half-brother of Jesus and brother of James (Jude 1:1; Matthew 13:55). Background : Jude did not identify himself as an apostle, but as a servant of Jesus and brother of James, the leader of the Jerusalem church. He was likely converted after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:14). Jude’s writing style is bold and confrontational, using vivid imagery and references to Jewish traditions, including 1 Enoch and the Testament of Moses. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Believers—likely Jewish Christians , or a mixed group familiar with Jewish traditions . Background : The church was facing internal threats from false teachers who had infiltrated the community. These individuals were morally corrupt , doctrinally deceptive , and spiritually dangerous . Jude writes to warn , exhort , and str...
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Introduction to 3 John: Integrity In Christ

Introduction to 3 John: Integrity In Christ Collin Leong. October 4, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle , also known as “the elder” in this letter (3 John 1:1). Background : John was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and a close eyewitness to His ministry. He likely wrote this letter in his later years, with pastoral authority and deep concern for church health. His writing style is consistent with 1 and 2 John—relational, direct, and focused on truth and love. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipient : A man named Gaius , described as beloved and faithful (3 John 1:1–2). Background : Gaius was likely a respected member of a local church under John’s oversight. The church was experiencing conflict over leadership and hospitality : Diotrephes , a domineering figure, was rejecting John’s authority and refusing to welcome traveling missionaries (3 John 1:9–10). Demetrius , likely the bearer of the letter,...
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Introduction with 2 John: Stay Anchored in Christ’s Teaching

 Introduction with 2 John:  Stay Anchored in Christ’s Teaching Collin Leong. October 2, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle , the same author of the Gospel of John, 1 John, and Revelation. Background : John refers to himself as “the elder” (2 John 1:1), a title reflecting his spiritual authority and pastoral role. He was likely writing in his later years, known for his emphasis on truth, love, and guarding the faith. His writing style in 2 John is consistent with 1 John—simple, direct, and deeply relational. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Addressed to “the elect lady and her children” (2 John 1:1). Background : This phrase may refer to a specific woman and her family , or more likely, a local church and its members —using symbolic language to emphasize spiritual kinship. The community was facing threats from false teachers , particularly those denying the incarnation of Christ....
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Introduction to 1 John: True Fellowship Is Rooted in Christ

Introduction to 1 John:  True Fellowship Is Rooted in Christ Collin Leong. September 30, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle , son of Zebedee, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Background : John was an eyewitness to Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection (1 John 1:1–3). He also authored the Gospel of John and Revelation , and is known as the “apostle of love” due to his emphasis on love and fellowship. His writing style is cyclical and pastoral , often repeating themes to reinforce truth and clarity. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Believers in Asia Minor , likely a network of house churches under John’s spiritual care. Background : The churches were facing internal division and false teaching , especially early forms of Gnosticism that denied Jesus’ true humanity. Some members had left the community, causing confusion and discouragement (1 John 2:19). John writes to reassur...
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Introduction to 2 Peter: Certainty of Christ’s Return

Introduction to 2 Peter: Certainty of Christ’s Return Collin Leong. September 30, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Peter , one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, though the authorship has been historically debated. Background : The letter claims to be written by “Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:1). The author refers to being an eyewitness of the Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–18), aligning with Peter’s experience in Matthew 17. He also speaks of his impending death, echoing Jesus’ prediction in John 21:18–19 (2 Peter 1:14). While early church leaders were slow to accept 2 Peter into the canon, it was eventually affirmed as Scripture due to its apostolic claims and theological consistency. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Believers who had previously received 1 Peter—likely Christians in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Background : These believers were facing false teaching , especially denial of Christ’...
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Introduction to 1 Peter: Cast Your Anxiety On Christ

Introduction to 1 Peter: Cast Your Anxiety On Christ Collin Leong. September 29, 2025 A. Historical Summary 1.  Author and His Background Author : Peter , one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and a key leader in the early church (1 Peter 1:1). Background : Peter was a fisherman called by Jesus and became a bold preacher of the gospel (Matthew 4:18–19; Acts 2). He witnessed Christ’s transfiguration, suffering, resurrection, and ascension. Though he famously denied Jesus, he was restored and commissioned to “feed [His] sheep” (John 21:15–17). Peter refers to himself as a “witness of the sufferings of Christ” and a “fellow elder” (1 Peter 5:1), writing with pastoral care and apostolic authority. 2.  Audience and Their Background Recipients : Believers described as “elect exiles” scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia —regions in modern-day Turkey (1 Peter 1:1). Background : These Christians were facing social marginalization , legal hostility , and cul...
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