Time: John is not recorded as the author, but unanimous testimony of early Christians, like Iraneus in the 2nd century declare him the author. Plus, the eyewitness account give rise that he was one of the close knit disciples and Peter already penned through Mark (the Gospel of Mark), and James died soon after the resurrection, which leaves John. It is thought this book was written between 85 and 95 AD. The Deity of Christ is a striking quality of John's gospel.
What the Lord is Saying:
Athanasius I of Alexandria (296-373) served as bishop of Alexandra (port city in northern Egypt). This bishop is today called the pope of the Coptic Church. As I learned in the previous lesson about Polycarp, this was a time period that dealt with the Arian controversy which was made up of people that believed Jesus was a created being and did not have the same essence as God. The Council of Nicaea in AD 325 struck this down and yet many still continued to teach this. But Athanasius was one of the exceptions when he became leader in 328 AD. Roman Empire emperors would exile his 5 times for holding to this view and defending Nicene orthodoxy, trinitarianism. The Roman Empire at this time consisted of all of the states/countries/diocese bordering the Mediterranean Sea. One possible reason why there was contention by the Roman Empire was the belief that Jesus was divine whereby the Roman emperor at this time, beginning with the death of Julius Caesar in 44BC, was believed to be divine.
Summary: Athanasius is a great example of one who is committed to the teaching of Scripture.
Promise: Be prepared to defend the faith. Know the truth of scripture on essential matters of the faith so that we can give an answer when we see these heresies.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for continuing to give me the strength and consistency to read Your Word and study it. Holy Spirit, as I listen to and read Your words, breath life into me. Change me from the inside out. Help me to be a light in this world. Help me to be vocal and to encourage the following of you Jesus.
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