Problem: John writes, “I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink; 14 but I hope to see you shortly, and we will speak face to face” (3 Jn. 13). Catholic apologists claim that this implies that oral tradition is greater than written Scripture.
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Problem: John writes, “Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church” (3 Jn. 9-10). John seems to be against Diotrephes engaging in church discipline here, but the rest of Bible speaks about this practice (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; 2 Thess. 3:6). Does the Bible support church discipline or not?
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Problem: John writes, “The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth” (2 Jn. 1). Who was this “lady,” and why was he writing that he loved her? Did John have a romantic relationship with this woman?
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Problem: John writes, “This is the true God and eternal life” (1 Jn. 5:20). But what does the “this” refer to? Does it refer to Christ? Or does it refer the Father?
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Problem: John writes, “There is a sin leading to death; I do not say that he should make request for this” (1 Jn. 5:16). What is this sin, and why should we not pray for it?
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Problem: How many Gods are there, one or many? The Bible speaks of both one and many. There is only one God in actuality, but there are many false gods that idolators believe in.
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Problem: In the King James Version, John writes, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one” (1 Jn. 5:7-8). Why does the King James Version include this verse, while other versions exclude it?
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