Bible 120 New Testament
Johannine Letters
Some kind of Gnostic thread lies behind I and II John. I John begins by
affirming the incarnation in bodily form on earth. He does this that the hearers
might have  with him and with God. The writer is concerned with him and
with God. The writer is concerned that Christ and his love his word, his ministry
becomes incarnated in us (incarnational ministry) [Gnosticism].
Good God – soul – spirit (good) Christ divine, not human (Gnostic)
Minister to souls of men
Evil God – pollute the earth – matter (evil) - flesh, body, ignore the physical
needs in ministry
Salvation is freeing soul from flesh or body, ascending to Gnostics. The
physical needs are to be ignored. John refutes this saying that we must minister
tot eh whole man, the seen man.