
1 John
INTRODUCTION
First John was written by the Apostle John, probably about A.D. 85–90. John also wrote two other brief letters, the Gospel of John, and the Book of Revelation. This letter was written to reaffirm core Christian truths then being denied by false teachers. Using the familiar images of light, righteousness, and love, John showed that Jesus is the Son of God, that He did come in the flesh, and that salvation is ours only through Him. John also insisted that Christians do sin and must confess their sins. Cleansed, believers are to live as Christ lived, obedient to God and showing love toward all, and especially toward others in the community of faith.
OUTLINE OF CONTENTS
I. | Prologue | 1 John 1:1–4 |
II. | God Is Light | 1 John 1:5–2:27 |
III. | God Is Righteousness | 1 John 2:28–4:6 |
IV. | God Is Love | 1 John 4:7–5:12 |
V. | Epilogue | 1 John 5:13–21 |