Introduction to the General Epistles (Video)
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Overview
Join New Testament scholar and author David deSilva as he unpacks the themes and message of the letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude, commonly known as the “General Epistles.” In this course, Dr. deSilva explains the historical setting and context of each letter, highlighting what these apostolic figures wanted to communicate to their original audience.
You’ll learn why these important New Testament books have been relevant for churches throughout the centuries, challenging believers to live out their faith in practical ways. These books have never been more needed than today, when our mission must be lived out in a cultural context flavored with anxiety, busyness, and division. Does the way we treat others really serve as a testament to our faith? Does how we deal with suffering really matter in our witness? Find out in this important course.
This course can be used as an individual study, in a small group or leadership context, or for sermon prep and illustration.
This course is related to the book An Introduction to the New Testament Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation (InterVarsity Press).
- Unpacks the themes and message of the General Epistles
- Explains the historical setting and context of each letter
- Challenges believers to live out their faith in practical ways
- Session 1 (12 min)
- Session 2 (13 min)
- Session 3 (12 min)
- Session 4 (14 min)
- Session 5 (15 min)
- Session 6 (15 min)
- Session 7 (14 min)
- Session 8 (13 min)
- Session 9 (13 min)
- Session 10 (12 min)
- Session 11 (10 min)
- Session 12 (14 min)
- Epilogue (2 min)
- Trailer (1 min)
- Title: Introduction to the General Epistles (video)
- Author: David A. deSilva
- Publisher: Seminary Now
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2025
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Catholic epistles › Introductions; Bible. N.T. General epistles › Introductions
- Resource ID: LLS:NTRDCTNGNRPSTLSVD
- Resource Type: Media
- Metadata Last Updated: 2025-07-03T18:48:41Z
Dr. David A. deSilva, PhD, is the Trustees’ Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Greek at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, where he’s taught since 1995.
He’s written over 20 books in the areas of New Testament and Second Temple Judaism, including Unholy Allegiances: Heeding Revelation's Warning (Hendrickson, 2013), The Jewish Teachers of Jesus, James, and Jude (Oxford, 2012),Seeing Things John’s Way: The Rhetoric of the Book of Revelation (WJKP, 2009), An Introduction to the New Testament: Contexts, Methods & Ministry Formation (IVP, 2004), Introducing the Apocrypha (Baker Academic, 2002), and Perseverance in Gratitude: A Socio-rhetorical Commentary on the Epistle “to the Hebrews” (Eerdmans, 2000). He’s also interested in spiritual formation, having written Sacramental Life: Spiritual Formation through the Book of Common Prayer (IVP, 2008) and Praying with John Wesley (Discipleship Resources, 2001).
He’s ordained in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, and serves as director of music and organist at Christ United Methodist Church in Ashland. He and his wife, Donna Jean, have three sons.
Best of 2025