Background

The first letter of John was written by the apostle John, who is also credited with the Gospel of John and Revelation. Written in the latter part of the first century, 1 John was intended for a broad Christian audience, particularly the communities in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Its purpose was to reaffirm foundational Christian truths and combat early forms of Gnosticism, a belief system that questioned Christ’s humanity and fostered a separation between spiritual and moral life. John’s approach is pastoral yet authoritative, emphasising the importance of a true knowledge of Christ, a transformed lifestyle, and the assurance of salvation.

Key Themes

John addresses several key themes throughout 1 John:

Assurance of Salvation – John reassures believers of their salvation by focusing on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and their personal knowledge of Christ. He explains that a genuine relationship with Christ, evidenced by the Spirit’s witness within us (1 John 5:10-11), brings confidence in eternal life.

Walking in the Light – John uses the metaphor of “light” to emphasize purity and righteousness, urging believers to “walk in the light” as God is in the light. This includes living a life aligned with God’s truth and distancing oneself from sin.

Love for One Another – Love is central to the Christian life, John explains, and goes beyond mere words to become active care in “deed and truth.” He strongly condemns hatred, equating it to murder, and points to Christ’s sacrificial love as the ultimate example.

Separation from the World – John warns against “the world” with its temptations and values in opposition to God’s. Believers are to resist the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life” and remember that God’s love and eternal promises are far greater than anything the world offers.

The Message for Today

1 John has timeless relevance, providing a model for living a life of active faith. The letter reminds believers to trust the Holy Spirit’s testimony within them, as human reasoning alone is insufficient for assurance of salvation. John’s teachings on love as an essential characteristic of the Christian community serve as a challenge and call to action for today’s church. In a world that often prioritises material desires, John’s words also encourage believers to set their affections on God’s eternal promises rather than transient worldly values.

The Different Kingdom Lens

1 John underscores the radical nature of God’s Kingdom, focusing on Christ’s sacrifice and his call to selfless, sacrificial love. Believers are called to be distinct from the world, embodying God’s love in a way that defies selfish ambition and worldly desires. This Kingdom is one of light, truth, and transformative love—a community called to be a “spiritual family” that lives out God’s love and rejects the fleeting allure of the world. The letter thus challenges believers to recognize their identity as children of God and to reflect his Kingdom values in all areas of life.