1 John

Introduction to the Book

What is 1 John?

1 John is a treatise that offers assurance to some specific believers, encouraging their loyalty to Christian faith and practice - in response to some false prophets who have left the community

Who wrote the letter?

The Elder , as he calls himself. A solid historical tradition equaated him with the apostle John.

Who receives the letter?

A Christian community (or communities) well known to the author. It has traditionally been thought to be located in or around Ephesus

Why does he pen this letter?

He writes this letter due to the defection of the false prophets and their followers, who have called into question the orthodoxy - both teaching and practice - of those who have remained loyal to what goes back to “the beginning.”

Emphases of First John:

That Jesus who came in the flesh is the Son of God

That Jesus showed God’s love for us through his incarnation and crucifixion

That true believers love one another as God loved them in Christ

That God’s children do not habitually sin, but when we do sin, we receive forgiveness

That believers can have full confidence in the God who loves them

That by trusting in Christ we now have eternal life