The General Letters
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In the ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, the General letters usually appear before the Pauline writings. In modern listings of New Testament books that order is reversed. The dates of the General letters, which are later than most Pauline letters, make this arrangement best.
With the possible exception of James, all the General letters appeared near the end of Paul's life or after his death. They discussed problems the church faced in its later growth and expansion. Such writings as 2 Peter, Jude, and 1 and 2 John touch on the subject of false teaching. This was a normal problem in a growing church encountering alien ideas and viewpoints. Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, and 3 John provide encouragement for Christians who faced harassment and persecution.
All the writers presented a picture of a Savior whose strength could sustain them (Heb. 4:14-16). They called for a demonstration of new stamina and steadfastness (Jas. 1:2-4; 1 Pet. 4:19). Some of the writers called on the readers to show compassion for one another (1 John 3:16-20) and basic practices of honesty and integrity (Jas. 5:1-6). Because modern Christians also face these problems, the words of the General letters can provide us strength and help in our spiritual battles today.