The Split Ministry Error (2:12-14)

Early Errors
A Study of 1st John

12 I write to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, dear children, because you have known the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Theories on what goes where…
1. Some believe v. 12 fits with the previous section (2:1-11). This allows v. 13 to serve as an outline for the next section. Fathers are discussed in 14a, young men in 14b-17, and children in 18-27 with v. 28 serving as a conclusion to section 2
2. Some believe 12-13b conclude the previous section. 12 summarizes 2:1-2. 13a summarizes 2:3-6, and 13b summarizes 2:7-11. 13c starts a new section.
3. Some believe 12-14 is its own section, repeated for emphasis.
4. Some believe there are actually 4 groups mentioned b/c 2 words for ‘children’ appear

1. Do you think the structure of what goes where is very important? Do you have a preference for one of these theories?

2. Do you think John has physical or spiritual age in mind in this section?

3. What does John communicate to ‘fathers’? Why?

4. What does John communicate to ‘young men’? Why?

5. What does John communicate to ‘children’? Why?

6. What are the advantages/disadvantages of splitting up age groups when we gather?

7. Do you think ‘fathers’ can ignore the advice given to ‘young men’ and ‘children’?