INTRODUCTION TO FIRST JOHN: PAUL SEBENTE MALAMA

THE AUTHOR OF FIRST JOHN

When we look at the some evidences coming from outside the Bible, we will discover that the author of this book is Apostle John. Therefore, upon following the style of writing one thing in common is that the author should be one who wrote also the fourth gospel in the New Testament that is why i can claim to say it is John the son of Zebedee who wrote this book without any doubt because the author should be one who was an eye witness of Jesus not just someone from afar.

THE PROVENANCE OR PLACE OF WRITING

So, when we take a closer look at the book of first John there is no mention of the place it was written from. This is so, because it is not clear. However, according to external evidences by Robert Jamie-son, and others, it is believed that the book of first John was written in Ephesus. This is so, because that is where his family lived and died from and also according to history, John lived there in his old age.

WHEN WAS IT WRITTEN

This the most debatable issue on when the epistle of first John was written. It is argued that the epistle could have been written in the early 90s and some claim AD. 60-65, and then others also AD. 70-85 Therefore, this letter i believe could have been written in the early 90s following the fourth gospel of John.

THE RECIPIENTS

This letter was written to the churches, in short this epistle was written to believers somewhere in the Ephesus area.

OCCASION AND PURPOSE

This epistle was written because of the unstoppable popularity of false teaching that may include; Docetism, Gnosticism, to mention but a few. Therefore, the main purpose why it was written is because Apostle John wanted his audience to know that they have eternal life only in Jesus.

APPLICATION

Finally, brethren since we have come to know Christ and we are able to know the truth in Him. Apostle John says,  I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13) This is the assurance that John wants us to know and therefore, if we go into the proceeding chapters we will come to understand why he wants us to know this truth. Amen!