1 John

Author: John
Type of Book: General Epistle
Date of Writing: AD 96
Theme: Fellowship between God and man

The apostle John wrote five books of the New Testament: the gospel of John, the three epistles of John, and the book of Revelation. It is believed that John wrote the books of 1, 2, and 3 John around AD 96, and the book of Revelation shortly before his death around AD 100.

While writing this book the apostle was pastoring the church in Ephesus, which Paul had founded. By this time the church had matured and the initial excitement of the early church had waned. As Revelation 2:4 points out, they had left their first love. They were doing a lot of good things, but their relationship with the Lord was growing cold.

Around this time the heresy called Gnosticism was also sweeping through the church. This teaching denied the fact that Jesus was actually a man with a body, because Gnostics believed that everything material was evil and everything spiritual was good. John wanted to set the record straight, and in the first verse he asserted that he had seen Jesus with his own eyes and handled Him personally. Jesus was not a spirit or a philosophy to John, but a living person who wants to fellowship with us.

John stated several purposes why he wrote this epistle. The first is given in 1:3; "...that you also may have fellowship with...the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." John's desire was that his readers would not just know about Jesus, but that they would know Him personally even as John had.

The second purpose is found in 1:4, as he wrote, "These things we write to you that your joy may be full." Joy is a natural outflowing of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

His third purpose is found in 2:1: "My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin." A life in relationship with Jesus results in a life of righteousness and obedience. John stressed throughout his epistle that Jesus changes people.

John's fourth stated purpose is in 5:13, where he said, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." He wanted believers to have assurance of their salvation and to continue in it.

Look for these purposes being addressed as you read through this book. I know you will enjoy reading it as I have always enjoyed teaching it.

-from Pastor Chuck Smith from The Word for Today Bible