S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Author: 1, 2, and 3 John have from earliest times been attributed to the apostle John, who also wrote the Gospel of John. The content, style, and vocabulary seem to warrant the conclusion that thes...

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November 15 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

The epistle of I John is written by the apostle John. Along with Peter and James, John had the privilege to be one of the inner circle of disciples, Mark 9:2, Luke 8:51, Matthew 26:37. But he seems to have had the closest relationship with Jesus because he calls himself the “disciple whom Jesus loved,” John 13:23, 19:26, 20:2, 21:7, 21:20.

Due to this closeness, John would author the Gospel of John which spells out how a person can have eternal life, by believing on Jesus, John 3:16, 5:24, 6:47. He gives the clear-cut purpose of this book in John 20:31. 

And, also appropriately, he who reclined right next to Jesus, would write the letters bearing his name that would emphasize fellowship and truth.

Commonly, the book of I John has been considered as a series of tests of whether or not one is saved. The letter supposedly gives assurance that one’s faith is real, and that belief, obedience, and love will be evidence of genuine conversion. However, the letter is better seen as tests of fellowship, whether or not one is in right relationship and communion with God. 

In writing this epistle, John addresses the recipients as “brethren,” I John 2:7. He includes himself with the use of “we” and “us.” He also speaks as an older brother to “my little children.” The entire letter is to believers who are already convinced of the truth. Besides, I John 2:12-14 reflects them having a high level of maturity. Furthermore, they have to be saved for John to allude to confidence or boldness that they can have at the Lord’s coming and Judgment Seat of Christ, I John 2:28, 4:17.

John, at the outset of the first epistle, gives the reason for writing - that the believers have fellowship with them, I John 1:3. This is the primary purpose. Other purpose statements are secondary, touching on what was just mentioned previously, I John 1:4, 2:1, 2:26, 5:13. These all encourage the saints to a vital and vibrant fellowship with God. 

Every concept or subject covered in the letter is about believers having a right relationship with God. Characteristics include walking in the light, confessing sins, keeping His word, loving his brother, not loving the world, abiding in Christ, practicing righteousness, resisting the antichrists, and overcoming the world by faith. Also, believers are to have a family likeness to Christ, I John 1:7, 2:6, 3:3, 7, 23, 4:17. None of these would be expected of unbelievers. To insist that they must do these things to have assurance of salvation would make it salvation by works which is not Scriptural, Ephesians 2:8-9.

In the letter are seven specific tests of Christian genuineness and honesty, I John 1:6, 8, 10, 2:4, 6, 9, 4:20. What the believer says must match his conduct.

The letter of faith, family, and fellowship repeats concepts of light, love, and life as an upward spiral to impress on the reader the importance of a closer walk with God.

February 22 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report