1 John 2

Who wrote the book of John?

Great question! There are several people named John mentioned in the New Testament. Here are the main ones:

John the Apostle (also called John the Evangelist)

One of Jesus’ twelve disciples

Traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of John, the three epistles of John (1, 2, 3 John), and Revelation

John the Baptist

The prophet who baptized Jesus

Known for preaching repentance and preparing the way for Jesus

John Mark (often just called Mark)

A companion of Paul and Peter

Traditionally credited with writing the Gospel of Mark

Sometimes called “John Mark” to distinguish him from others named John

ANSWER:

John the Evangelist:

Who Is John the Evangelist?

Also Known As: John the Apostle, John the Beloved Disciple, John the Son of Zebedee

Role: One of the original twelve apostles of Jesus

Relation: Brother of James the Apostle; both were sons of Zebedee, a fisherman

Reputation: Known as the “disciple whom Jesus loved” in the Gospel of John

What Did He Do?

A Close Follower of Jesus: John was part of Jesus’ inner circle, along with Peter and James. He was present at many key moments—like the Transfiguration, the raising of Jairus’ daughter, and Jesus’ crucifixion.

Wrote Several New Testament Books:

The Gospel of John: A unique account focusing on Jesus’ divinity, love, and identity as the Son of God.

1 John, 2 John, 3 John: Letters emphasizing love, truth, and the nature of God.

Revelation: A prophetic vision given to John, filled with apocalyptic imagery and messages to early churches.

Key Themes in His Writings:

Love: Emphasizes love as the defining mark of Christians (e.g., “God is love”).

Light and Darkness: Contrasts good and evil, truth and falsehood.

Jesus as the Word (Logos): Presents Jesus as the pre-existent Word who became flesh.

Eternal Life: Focuses on the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus.

Historical and Traditional Background:

Later Life: Tradition says John lived to an old age, unlike most apostles, and was the only one not martyred. He was believed to have lived in Ephesus, where he cared for Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Iconography: Often depicted with an eagle, symbolizing the high-soaring theology of his Gospel.

Feast Day: Celebrated on December 27th in Western Christianity.

Interesting Fact:

John’s Gospel is quite different in style and content from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). It’s more theological and reflective, with long discourses by Jesus and a focus on his divine identity.

The Story:

The tradition holds that during Domitian’s persecution of Christians (around AD 90), John was sentenced to death by being boiled alive in a cauldron of oil.

Miraculously, John survived this ordeal unharmed.

After this, he was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation.

Key Church Fathers Who Referenced It:

Tertullian (c. 155–240 AD) He is one of the earliest writers to mention that John was subjected to a death sentence involving boiling oil but survived unharmed by divine intervention.

Clement of Alexandria (c. 150–215 AD) He also refers to John’s miraculous deliverance from being boiled in oil during persecution.

Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 260–340 AD), the early church historian, records this tradition in his Ecclesiastical History. He reports that John was plunged into boiling oil but emerged unharmed, and afterwards was exiled to Patmos.

What This Means:

The Church Fathers used this story to highlight John’s faithfulness and God’s protection.

Why is this important to understand? Because the next question is “Would someone die for a lie, if they know its not true?

However, some insights come from psychology, sociology, and history:

Psychological and Sociological Insights:

Cognitive Dissonance: People often rationalize or convince themselves to reduce the discomfort of holding conflicting beliefs, so they might end up believing what they initially doubted.

Group Influence & Indoctrination: In some cases, people may accept false beliefs due to intense social pressure, fear, or indoctrination, and might still be willing to die for those beliefs—often because they genuinely believe them at that point.

Martyrdom and Identity: For many, dying for a cause is tied to identity, honor, or loyalty, which can sometimes override pure factual belief.

Historical Examples:

Some cults or extremist groups have followers who die for beliefs that outsiders view as false or harmful.

In warfare or political oppression, people sometimes sacrifice themselves for ideologies or propaganda they’ve accepted as true.

But:

Knowing something is a lie yet choosing death for it is extremely rare. Usually, if someone consciously knows something is false, their motivation to die for it drops dramatically.

When people do die for “lies,” it’s often because they’ve come to believe those “lies” as truth through social, emotional, or psychological means.

That is not the case when it comes to the disciple that we read about. Just like John and the history we just read about. Now we that lets look into 1 John chapter 2 as he gives us a blueprint on how to live our lives with Christ.

Certainly! Here is 1 John chapter 2 from the English Standard Version (ESV):

1 John 2 (ESV)

Christ Our Advocate

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

2. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

The Test of Knowing Him

3. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.

4. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

5. but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him:

6. whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

The New Commandment

7. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard.

8. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

9. Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.

10. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling.

11. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

Children of God

12. I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.

13. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.

14. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Do Not Love the World

15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

17. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

The Antichrist Is Coming

18. Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.

19. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

20. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

21. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

22. Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.

23. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

24. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.

25. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

26. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.

27. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Children of God

28. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming.

29. If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

1. Christ Our Advocate (Verses 1–2)

“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (v.1)

Explanation: This hope in times of sin is through Jesus Christ, who serves as our advocate with the Father. Here, John refers to Jesus as "the righteous." The Greek word translated "advocate" is paraklēton, which is also used in the Gospel of John as a reference to the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This word literally means one who pleads a case on someone else's behalf, or a close, helpful advisor. In this verse, Jesus is called "advocate;" He is "with" God the Father; He is the "Christ," meaning "Anointed One;" and He is "the righteous" one. John heavily emphasizes the greatness of Jesus. He also highlights the sufficiency of Christ over sin and His role as advocate on our behalf before the Father. Other New Testament passages, such as Romans 8:34 and Hebrews 7:25, also describe Jesus in the role of an advocate for believers.

Real-Life Application: When you feel overwhelmed by guilt or shame, remember: Jesus stands before God on your behalf. This gives you hope and freedom to repent and move forward, not stay stuck in condemnation. Paul also states this in Romans 8:1 (ESV) “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

2. Obedience as Proof of Knowing God (Verses 3–6)

“Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” (v.6)

Yes, James does say that even demons believe in God—but with a very important distinction.

📖 James 2:19 (ESV):

“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

🔍 What James Is Saying:

Believing in God's existence isn’t enough.

James is addressing people who say they have faith but show no good works or obedience to God.

He challenges them by saying: “You say you believe in God? Great—but so do demons. And they tremble.”

True saving faith leads to transformation.

Demons believe intellectually—they know God is real and powerful—but they don’t love, trust, or obey Him.

✅ Real-Life Application:

Head knowledge isn’t the same as heart trust. Just believing that God exists (like many people do) isn’t saving faith. Saving faith involves trusting in Jesus, surrendering to Him, and letting that trust change how you live.

Ask yourself: Is my faith more than belief? Is it producing love, obedience, and a changed heart?

Explanation: True relationship with God results in a changed life. Obedience isn't what saves us—it’s the evidence that we genuinely know Him.

Real-Life Application: Don’t just say you’re a Christian—live it. Ask yourself: Do my choices reflect the character of Jesus? Let your everyday actions (like honesty, kindness, self-control) show your love for God.

Ask the question what seperate someone from heaven to hell, meaning how far is the distance if we had to guess? (12-18 inches) Here is why?

If you were to measure in a straight line from the center of the brain (roughly at the base of the skull) to the center of the chest (where the heart sits), it would typically be around 12–15 inches for most adults.

meaning that understanding something intellectually doesn’t always mean we live it out emotionally or spiritually.

3. Love or Hate for Others Reveals Our Spiritual State (Verses 7–11)

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light... But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness.” (vv.10–11)

Explanation: A core sign of being in God’s light is love for others. Hatred and bitterness are incompatible with walking in the light.

Real-Life Application: Do a heart check: Is there someone you’re holding anger or unforgiveness toward? Ask God for grace to forgive and love—even when it’s hard. Real faith is shown in relationships.

4. Encouragement to All Ages (Verses 12–14)

“I write to you, young men... fathers... children...”

Explanation: John encourages different spiritual "ages"—those who are young in faith, mature, and strong in their walk with God.

Real-Life Application: Wherever you are in your spiritual journey—new believer, growing disciple, or mature leader—God sees you and has something for you. Keep going, stay rooted, and help others along the way.

5. Do Not Love the World (Verses 15–17)

“The world is passing away... but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” (v.17)

Explanation: John warns against loving the world's temporary pleasures—things like lust, pride, and materialism—which distract us from eternal life.

Real-Life Application: It’s easy to get caught up in success, stuff, or social status. But those things won’t last. Focus instead on things with lasting value—serving others, pursuing God, and living out your purpose.

6. Warning Against Deceivers (Verses 18–27)

“Many antichrists have come... but you have been anointed by the Holy One.” (vv.18, 20)

Explanation: False teachers (antichrists) had infiltrated the early church, denying that Jesus is the Christ. John reminds believers that the Holy Spirit (the “anointing”) helps them discern truth.

Real-Life Application: We live in a world full of opinions and spiritual confusion. Test teachings and trends by the Bible. Spend time in God’s Word and prayer so the Holy Spirit can help you recognize truth from lies.

7. Abide in Christ (Verses 28–29)

“Abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence...” (v.28)

Explanation: John urges believers to stay closely connected to Jesus so they’ll be confident and not ashamed when He returns.

Real-Life Application: Stay spiritually consistent. Don’t compartmentalize your faith—abide in Jesus in your thoughts, habits, relationships, and goals. Live like someone who’s expecting Christ to return.

Summary of Applications:

Turn to Jesus when you fall short.

Let obedience reflect your love for God.

Love others—even when it’s hard.

Keep an eternal perspective.

Be discerning in what you believe.

Stay rooted in Christ every day.