A 1:1-2:17. Christ.
B C 2:15-29. Antichrist.
D 3:1-24. Love.
B C 4:1-6. Antichrist.
D 4:7-21. Love.
A 5:1-21. Christ.
1. Written by the apostle John, as is proved no less by its character than by external testimony. The similarity in tone and language to the 4th Gospel shows both to be the work of that disciple whom Jesus loved [John 21:7].
2. Written, as generally understood, to the "circle of Asiatic churches". But it is suggested that this 1st Epistle of John may be reckoned among the Diaspora and earlier epistles, for the following reasons:-
(a) The occurrence of the word parousia [2:28. See Matt. 24:3; 1 Thess. 2:19, &c.
(b) The significance of the possessive pronoun hemetoros [1:3; 2:2], and
(c) Paul's statement that John was one of the "pillars", i.e. teachers of the Law, and therefore a minister of the circumcision [see Gal. 2:9].
The position that the epistle occupies canonically among the Diaspora writings strengthens the argument that it is also is to be reckoned among them.
3. The contents are practical teaching in the light of the love of God. God is Light, is Light, is Truth, is Righteous, is Love, and we have fellowship with Him through the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. 'we know that He abides in us by the spirit which He has given us" [3:24]. The apostle sets in vivid contrast the death, darkness, falsehood, hate, which are the characteristics of the devil who "sins from the beginning [3:8], and of those who are led by the spirit of error [4:6], with the work of the Holy Spirit in believers. But the dominant conception running throughout the epistle is that of the love which constrains, as it constrained Paul [2 Cor. 5:14].
Written from Ephesus according to tradition, but no definite statement can be made as to either place or time of writing. The character of the contents indicates a much earlier date than is usually supposed. It was written before he was taken to Patmos.
A a1 1:1-5. Cause of writing.
b1 1:6-10. Test of fellowship.
a2 2:1,2. Cause of writing.
b2 2:3-6. Test of knowing God.
a3 2:7,8. Cause of writing.
b3 2:9-11. Test of being in the Light.
a4 2:12-14. Cause of writing.
b4 2:15-17. Test of loving God.
Prelude and forerunner to the Book of Revelation. John = Yahaveh's gift. If you want to be successful follow God's Word and the blessings will pour out.
1 John 1)
1 That which was from the beginning (the 1st earth age. So it will be at the end. See John 8:44), which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon, and our hands have handled (see Acts 17:27), of the Word (Christ is the living Word) of life; (Cp. John 1:4.)
2 (And the life (Christ) was manifested (was made known), and we have seen it, and bear witness (see John 1:7), and report to you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;)
3 That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, in order that you also may have fellowship with us (joint-heir, family): and truly our fellowship (see 1 Cor. 1:9) is with the Father (Gr. Pater), and with His Son Jesus (Gr. Iesous is the same as the Hebrew Yahshua, and means [the] Salvation of Yahaveh, or Yahaveh [the] Savior) Christ (Gr. Christos, from chrio, to anoint, corresponds with Heb. Messiah). (And the Holy Spirit.)
4 And these things write we to you, that your joy may be fulfilled. (Cp. John 15:11; 16:24; 17:13.)
5 And then is the message which we have heard from Him, and declare to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. (The light of truth and feeling of love. Nothing unknown.)
6 If (conditional) we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: (You do not know the Word. The truth in God's Word dispels all darkness and confusion. Those that say they love Him but haven't a clue concerning God's plan do le.)
7 But if we walk in the light, as He (this refers to the Father) is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (Except for the unforgivable sin. See Luke 12:10. We all fall short. Thank God for His gracious forgiveness whereupon repentance we may receive forgiveness and be cleansed.)
8 If we say that we have not sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (All sin transgresses the Word. There was only One that was capable of living in the flesh without sin. Any other that makes that claim is not being truthful with themselves or God.)
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (Rewards remain.)
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar (see 5:10. John 8:44), and His word is not in us. (You would be a self-righteous hypocrite. Remember, there are conditions. We must forgive those who have sinned against us, and we must repent of our sins and confess them to our Father to be forgiven. These are promises you can claim, if you don't overlook the "ifs".)