Chronology of the Epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John
Based on literary analysis and the historical background of the time in which these letters were written, it is suggested that while still in Palestine the Apostle John heard about the false teachers arriving in and detrimentally influencing the church in Ephesus. In response he wrote a letter (what we call 2 John). Because of the poor response of the entrenched leadership, now completely dominated by Diotrophes, John wrote a second letter (3 John) to Gaius to inform him of his pending arrival and to instruct him regarding this irreverent personality cult-like leader. After arriving in Ephesus and through his aged wisdom and experience, John redirects the focus of the church (compare Rev 3) and soon after writes a circular letter (1 John) to the churches in the surrounding areas to assist them in similar problems.
2 John -- Written by the Apostle John, c. AD 60-65
John writes to the church in Ephesus to assist and encourage them to walk in the truth (verses 1-6), and to defend the truth against the false teachers (verses 7-11). He explains his desire to see and teach them face to face (verses 12-13).
3 John -- Written by the Apostle John, c. AD 60-65
John first praises his reader for living in the truth of the gospel (verses 1-4), reciting his love for him based on the truth. He extends this praise for his love of his fellow Christians in Ephesus (verses 5-8). In stark contrast, he condemns an arrogant leader (verses 9-11), yet commends one who remains a true witness for Christ (12-14). He ends by informing Gaius of his plans to soon visit.
1 John -- Written by the Apostle John, c. AD 70-90
John writes this circular letter to impart to his readers a new kind of living: by the joy of fellowship with God (1:1-4). Through confession of sin one can attain this kind of intimacy with God (1:5--2:2), which results in obedience and love for Him and His people (2:3-11). John then addresses love: first those things which hinder a life of love (3:1--4:6), and then evidence of living in it (4:7--5:3). Finally, he explains that this high quality of life is available for any believer to possess (5:4-13) and express (5:14-21).
