Aspect Description
Authorship The author of 1 John is traditionally believed to be John the Apostle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, also credited with writing the Gospel of John and Revelation. Modern scholarship, however, sometimes debates exact authorship, though it is generally agreed that the author is a prominent early Christian leader.
Date of Writing The letter is typically dated between 85-95 AD. This time frame is based on linguistic and thematic similarities to the Gospel of John, as well as the historical context of the early Christian Church facing internal and external challenges.
Audience The intended audience appears to be Christian communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These were likely second-generation Christians, possibly disillusioned by the delay of Christ's return and troubled by false teachings.
Historical Context The letter was written during a time of significant transition for the early church. The period witnessed rising threats from Gnostic teachings, which denied the humanity of Jesus and proposed a strict dualism between spirit and matter. This emerging heresy deeply influenced church life and theology, prompting John to emphasize the reality of Jesus' incarnation.
Main Themes The epistolary addresses key theological and ethical concerns, including the incarnation of Jesus, the necessity of love within the Christian community, and the acknowledgment of Jesus as the Son of God. Strong emphasis is placed on adhering to true doctrine, practicing righteous living, and maintaining a loving and communal fellowship.
Purpose John wrote to assure believers of their salvation, counteracting the doubts and false doctrines being spread by proto-Gnostic groups. He sought to reinforce the fundamentals of the faith, encourage moral integrity, and cultivate a loving community rooted in the truth of the gospel.


Chapter Summary
1 Introduction and Fellowship with God: John begins by emphasizing the reality of Jesus Christ, who was heard, seen, and touched. He discusses the importance of walking in the light, confessing sins, and maintaining fellowship with God.
2 Obedience, Love, and Warning Against Antichrists: John stresses the importance of obedience to God's commands, living in the light, and loving one another. He warns against antichrists and the temptations of the world.
3 Children of God and Love in Action: John elaborates on what it means to be children of God, the significance of righteous living, and the imperative to love one another not just in words but also in deeds.
4 Testing Spirits and Perfect Love: John instructs believers to test the spirits to discern true prophets from false ones. He also discusses the nature of God's love and the importance of loving one another as a reflection of God's perfect love.
5 Faith in the Son of God and Assurance of Eternal Life: John highlights the connection between faith in Jesus as the Son of God and eternal life. He assures believers of their victory over the world through faith and speaks about the certainty of God's testimony.