1 John Bible book cover

1 John

Fellowship with God

infoBook Overview

Written by the elderly apostle John, this letter feels like a grandfather talking to his "dear children." It is simple but profound. John was battling an early form of Gnosticism, a cult that claimed the physical body was evil and Jesus was not really human. John starts by saying, "We touched him with our hands," proving Jesus was real.

He gives three tests to know if you are a true Christian: Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God? Do you obey His commands? And do you love your neighbor? He famously states, "God is love," teaching that you cannot love God while hating your brother. While 1 John is a general letter to everyone, the next short note applies this truth to a specific situation in 2 John.

Key Details

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edit_noteAuthor

John the Apostle

calendar_monthDate Written

c. 85-95 A.D.

topicTheme

Fellowship with God

groupsKey Characters
format_quoteKey Verse
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:16

history_eduHistorical Context

Written to combat early Gnostic heresies.

Structure & Outline

arrow_forwardWalking in Light

Chapters 1–2

arrow_forwardChildren of God

Chapter 3

arrow_forwardTesting the Spirits

Chapter 4

arrow_forwardAssurance

Chapter 5

Study Plans featuring 1 John