Study 1- The Letter of First John
1 John Chapter 1
Focus
This study is on the Letters of John. Within this study, we will be deepening our
knowledge concerning the books of First, Second, and Third John, and the context in
which they were written. Furthermore, we will reflect on what the three letters mean
for us today and how God is using them to call us to respond to him.
Instructions
Read over the passage a couple of times through out the week. You will have additional
commentary with each passage provided. Lastly, there will be questions to respond to
for each passage. The more you brainstorm over these questions, the more prepared
you will be when your group meets.
Background Information
Any time we interpret Scripture, we try to the best of our ability to understand the
meaning of the text as it was written to its original audience. For background
information, we must look at three critical issues. The first has to do with the historical
circumstances surrounding the writing of the letter. Who wrote 1 John? To whom was it
written? What was the author’s relationship to the readers? What specific situations
evoked the letter? When was it written? Secondly, it is essential to examine the overall
structure of the document to gain a sense of the movement of thought from beginning
to end. Finally, there is the matter of the theological significance of the letter. I would
add, if we can discover what 1 John offers us theologically, we will in turn discover what
the letter calls us to practically.
Historical Circumstances
1. Christian tradition has taught us Jesus’ disciple John wrote the three letters of John.
Many scholars believe this to be possible; however, there are also many who believe
perhaps it was the students of John who wrote these beautiful, yet simple letters. No
matter who wrote 1 John, almost all scholars agree it was the same person who also
wrote 2 and 3 John. If these three letters were indeed written by John, how did he get
to Ephesus? “It is likely that the apostle moved to Ephesus during the Jewish revolt (A.D.
66-70).”i Tradition associates him with ministry in that area in the final years of his life.
2. 1 John was written sometime within the first two decades of the second century
when Domitian enforced emperor worship in the Roman Empire. Christians were faced
with severe persecution during this period. Many Israelites were living as aliens in a
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foreign land and were in need of community and identity. We also begin to see these
ancient day Christians adopting other religious practices and beliefs from the area.
Structure
1 John has no greeting, there is not thanksgiving section, and there is no conclusion.
There is also no specific audience. The author is writing to all Christians everywhere.
Although the letter lacks structure, here is a simple breakdown of 1 John’s contents:
Prologue
Walking in the Light
The Love of God
Conclusion
1:1-4
1:5-2:29
3:1-5:12
5:13-23
Theological Significance
The theological significance of 1 John leads us to a very practical significance. We are
called to be children of the light while at the same time refusing to forsake the mission
to the world that was demonstrated to us through the person, ministry, death, and
resurrection of Jesus.
Scripture
1 John 1
Commentary Corner
1 John 1:1-4
When we begin reading the first few verses of this chapter, we are quickly reminded of
reading these words elsewhere—John 1. This is on purpose. The author is about to give
us an editorial, a reminder, a commentary of the important message delivered in the
Gospel of John. This “word of life” is a message which brings life to us. Life is revealed to
us in the word. It is this revelation that has existed from the beginning and we testify to
it; both the revelation and the testimony are embodied in the word of life. It is here we
begin to see the gospel and the letter part ways a bit. The gospel wants to name Jesus
Christ as the eternal Word made flesh while the letter’s purpose is to compel us to hand
on a life-giving message, a testimony we call the gospel.
Now, we cannot read this letter focused on ourselves as individuals. This letter is written
to and for the community of believers. The purpose of their testimony is so that others
may join in their fellowship, which is not only with one another but with God.
Relationship with God requires relationships with human beings. This becomes a major
theme in 1 John.
1 John 1:5-10
These verses reveal to us both the character of God and the character of humanity.
Darkness or sin is not a part of who God is. Yet, He is not afraid of rubbing elbows with
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sin. Sin or what we might call carnal nature is a part of our human character that is need
of redemption. Thus, the light of God revealed to us in Jesus breaks the darkness of our
existence. Therefore, we must become children of the light. We must give ourselves to
the testimony of Jesus. We must give ourselves to the fellowship of believers and the
mission of Christ. The starts with God revealing who he is—the faithful light, and who
we are—a sinful people in need of God’s work on our behalf.
Questions
1) What is the author telling us about who God is?
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2) What is the author telling us about who we are?
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3) How do people justify sin? Why do they do it?
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4) What is the author trying to communicate in regards to fellowship and community?
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5) What did you take away from chapter 1?
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6) How do we determine who can be a part of the community?
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The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our trespasses,
as we also have forgiven our trespassers.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.
Amen
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Weekly Readings
John 1:1-18
Psalm 139
Varughese, Alex. Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities.
(Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press), 2006. 420.
i
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