1st John recipients

jwest at highland.net jwest at highland.net
Thu Oct 12 05:56:34 EDT 2000


> 
> I have been looking at each group with their corresponding 
> characteristic(s). Any suggestions as to why John uses these various groups?

because John wishes to address each member of the congregation.  the youngest 
(spiritually speaking); those with some skills, those who are adults (again, 
spiritually speaking).  In short, from the youngest to the oldest believers, 
all are included.

> 
> The reason I am confused is because what is common to both the PATERES and 
> the NEANISKOI is found in the other group(s) (TEKNIA and/or PAIDIA). So why 
> identify the recipients of this letter from these different viewpoints? 
> There seems to be obvious overlap.

again, because John wishes to inform all, leave none out, and give none any 
reason for saying, "but he didnt say that I should...."  Its a very pastoral 
and practical approach.

> 
> I had expected to find something unique to the PATERES or the NEANISKOI. But 
> since that did not prove to be the case, I became even more confused.

but what John is doing is not giving different assignments to each but the same 
assignments to all- according to their level of spiritual maturity.

best,

jim

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Jim West,
ThD




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