Name
The title “1 John ” comes from John, the Son of Zebedee, and the author of the Gospel of John.
Author
Although John’s name does not appear in the letter, it is traditionally ascribed to him. The author claims to be an eyewitness to the incarnate life of Jesus (1:1-2), and the only John that fits that criteria are John, the Son of Zebedee.
External evidence comes from a number of early church fathers who ascribe authorship to John, including Polycarp, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, and Dionysius.
Genre
General Epistle
Literary Form
Early church fathers referred to 1 John as a letter, but it does not bear the usual markers of a 1st-century letter (Paul’s letters are good examples). It might be best understood as a treatise or homily (sermon).
Time Frame
Some scholars believe John’s three letters (1, 2, & 3 John) were written in the early A.D. ’60s. Before the Roman destruction in A.D. 70. However, the scholarly consensus is the letters were written from Ephesus sometime between A.D. 80-95.
Emphasis
There are four main points of emphasis in the letter:
- A portion of the letter is focused on encouraging the believers,
- A portion is an exhortation to avoid sin.
- A portion is a warning against false teachers (Gnostics).
- A portion is an affirmation of the promise of eternal life.
Gnosticism had become popular during the time of John’s writing. Gnostics claimed to be Christians with additional knowledge or revelation.
Outline
- The person of Christ (1:1-4)
- The lifestyle of the believer (1:5-2:14)
- The believer in the World (2:15-27)
- The marks of a child of God (2:28-4:21)
- Closing exhortation (5:1-21)
