INTRODUCTION

John, an elder and the beloved, son of Zebedee who wrote the Gospel is likely the writer of this epistle including the second and third.

Written to Jewish Christian in Ephesus where he was an overseer. It was due to a crisis where a group of believers broke away denying Lordship of Christ as Messiah or Son of God (1Jn.2:18-23; 4:1-3). They stirred up hostility among the believers in the churches. A poetic sermon, centring around life, truth and love.

An overview shows it has four parts.

Chapter 1:1--3:10 an introduction to the message that God is light. John introduces the Word of Life, one with the God, the Father in the beginning. He identifies himself an apostle who bore witness of God, the Son and with all those who have Christ as we have Koinonia. Word for fellowship, participation and sharing in Gods own life. Those who participate in Christ must walk in the light, will resist sin and keep His command to love one another. This results the cleansing by the blood of Jesus. Darkness, which is of the world is passing away. Walking in the light brings victory over sin and death. However, he warns about the deceivers, the anti-messiah who left the church will remain in darkness.

Chapter 3:11-5:17 the message that God is love. It means also to love for one another. Unlike Cain who took his brothers life False prophets are those who deny the cross. Thus, John calls us to test the spirit if they centre on Christ and His crucifixion. Love is giving ones life for the other. Love others as God loves us. God is the total self-giving love and this we have through trusting Jesus and what He has done for you that it breaks away fear. Obey God and experience the victory of faith. This is our eternal life

Chapter 5:18-21 the conclusion he draws affirming the knowledge we have of the Son of God is with us. We know the One who is true and we are in Him. The evidence that we do not continue in sin and will keep ourselves from idols.

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