Bible Overview 1 John
Mike Ervin
1 JOHN STUDY OVERVIEW
1. AUTHORSHIP AND DATE
Traditional View:
• Authorship: Traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, son of Zebedee, who
also authored the Gospel of John and Revelation.
• Date: Believed to have been written between A.D. 85–95, likely from Ephesus,
during John’s later years.
Modern Scholarly View:
• Authorship: While the traditional view holds John the Apostle as the author,
some scholars propose that the letter may have been written by a member of the
Johannine community, reflecting the theological perspectives associated with
John.
• Date: Scholars generally agree on a composition date between A.D. 90–100,
situating it in the context of early Christian communities addressing internal
and external challenges.
2. INTENDED AUDIENCE
• Recipients: The letter does not specify its audience but is believed to be
directed towards early Christian communities familiar with Johannine teachings.
• Context: Addressing issues such as false teachings (possibly early forms of
Gnosticism or Docetism) that denied Jesus’ incarnation and promoted ethical
laxity.
3. MAJOR THEMES
1. Incarnation of Christ: Affirming Jesus Christ as fully human and fully
divine.
2. Love and Brotherhood: Emphasizing love for God and for one another as
evidence of genuine faith.
3. Light and Darkness: Contrasting righteous living (light) with sinful
behaviors (darkness).
4. Truth and Error: Encouraging discernment to recognize and reject false
teachings.
5. Assurance of Salvation: Providing believers with confidence in their eternal
life through faith in Christ.
4. SEQUENTIAL CHAPTER REVIEW
I. Prologue and Walking in the Light (Ch. 1)
• Ch. 1: Introduction emphasizing the reality of Jesus’ incarnation and the
call to live in the light, confessing sins for forgiveness.
Key Takeaway: Fellowship with God requires acknowledging Jesus’ humanity and
living transparently.
II. Obedience, Love, and Warnings Against Worldliness (Ch. 2)
• Ch. 2: Encouragement to obey God’s commands, love fellow believers, and avoid
worldly temptations; warnings against antichrists and denial of Christ.
Key Takeaway: True knowledge of God is demonstrated through obedience and love,
remaining steadfast against deceptive teachings.
III. Children of God and Love in Action (Ch. 3)
• Ch. 3: Believers are identified as God’s children, called to practice
righteousness and love in deeds, not just words.
Key Takeaway: Our identity in Christ compels us to live righteously and love
others actively.
IV. Discernment and God’s Love (Ch. 4)
• Ch. 4: Admonition to test spirits to discern truth from falsehood; profound
exposition on God’s love and the imperative to love one another.
Key Takeaway: Understanding and experiencing God’s love enables believers to
love others and discern truth.
V. Faith, Love, and Assurance (Ch. 5)
• Ch. 5: Faith in Jesus as the Son of God overcomes the world; assurance of
eternal life and confidence in approaching God through prayer.
Key Takeaway: Faith in Christ grants victory over worldly challenges and
assures us of eternal life.
CONCLUSION
• 1 John serves as a pastoral letter addressing foundational Christian beliefs
and behaviors, emphasizing the reality of Jesus’ incarnation, the necessity of
love, and the importance of discerning truth.
• Its teachings remain pertinent, guiding believers in authentic faith and
community life.