What does the apostle John's final message teach us about faith, love, and sharing the gospel? This lesson follows John's story in Ephesus and asks how the church can pass the truth of Jesus on to the next generation.
As we continue our study of Acts 20 and Paul's ministry in Ephesus, Alan Smith looks at the later years of the apostle John. Church tradition says that, as John grew too weak to preach at length, believers carried him into the assembly, where he repeated one message: "Little children, love one another." We consider the meaning of that message and its connection to John's letters, the command of Jesus, and the witness John passed on to Polycarp.
The teaching also introduces John Eliot, the Puritan missionary known as the "Apostle to the Indians." Eliot learned the Massachusetts language, created a written form of it, translated the Bible, and established schools and praying towns. His work offers a historical example of carrying the gospel across language and cultural barriers.
Alan connects these accounts to the church's calling today: guard the truth, remember what God has done in our lives, and share those testimonies with others. Christian growth includes planting the word of God beyond the walls of the church and equipping others to serve.
Watch this lesson for a closer look at John, early Christian tradition, the final message attributed to the apostle, and the responsibility believers share to pass on the faith.
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