In addition to the Gospel, three Epistles have come to us from the pen of the beloved Apostle. Of these the First 4s the longest and most important. In form it is more like an essay or treatise than a letter; it bears no salutation nor signature. But if there were no other evidence, its similarity in phrase and thought to the Fourth Gospel would practically decide the question of authorship. Whichever was written first, the relation between the two is perfectly clear and has been aptly expressed by Bishop Westcott: “The theme of the Epistle is, the Christ is Jesus; the theme of the Gospel is, Jesus is the Christ.” The bearing of the Epistle upon practical living is also very plain. It’ shows that fellowship with the Father and the Son is realized in love of the brethren.

The Second and Third Epistles are very brief, and are private and personal rather than doctrinal. They have been called by Jerome “twin sisters.” In style and spirit they markedly resemble the First Epistle. There is the same emphasis wpon love, truth, and obedience. While we are without exact information as to their date, they rank unquestionably among the latest documents in the New Testament.