1 John- Introduction

Additional Details

• Author: The Apostle John
• Audience: Gentile believers
• Original Greek Name: Α΄ Ιωάννη
• Translated Hebrew Name: יוחנן א
• Common English Name: 1 John
• Transliteration: A΄ Ioanne
• Meaning: 1 John
• Date Created: c 80-85 CE
• Content Reference Time: c 80-85 CE
• Key Individuals:
  • Yeshua
  • John
• Key Themes:
  • G-d is light (1 John 1:1-2:27)
  • G-d is love (1 John 2:28-4:21)
  • G-d is life (1 John 5:1-21)
• Date Canonized: c 120-170 CE
• Abstract:

  As people from various religious backgrounds became believers, they brought with them the baggage of their prior beliefs.  One of those false beliefs was that of "dualism," which taught that everything spiritual was "good" and everything physical was "bad."  Because of this false belief, some were teaching that the Messiah did not come in the flesh but was only a divine spirit. In his first letter to the believers in Asia Minor, the apostle John addresses this error and affirms to his readers both the divinity and humanity of the Messiah.  He encourages believers to live their lives with love, and obedience, with are the hallmarks of true faith, and provides these words of comfort and encouragement: "By this, we know that we love the children of G-d, when we love G-d and observe His commandments.  For this is the love of G-d, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:2-3)

• Location Created: Ephesus
• Content Location: no specific location
• Teaches:
  • Even believers sin and require forgiveness.
  • G-d commands believers to love one another.
  • Believers are part of G-d's family by faith.
  • False teachers often teach licentiousness.
• Chapters: 5
• Verses: 105