Chapter 1 Summary

  • The book of 1 John was written to encourage disciples to maintain fellowship with God and one another. Topics that are often addressed include God being the light, love for God and one another, confidence regarding our salvation, and Jesus coming the first time in the flesh.
  • It is generally agreed upon that the writer of this epistle is the Apostle John (between 80 AD- 90 AD). This is the same John, who also wrote the gospel of John, 2 John, and 3 John. John and his brother James were sons of Zebedee and fisherman by trade (Mark 1:19-20). Before becoming a follower of Jesus, John was first a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35, 40). John was one of the first men called to become a disciple of Jesus (Mark 1:16-20). He was also one of the three apostles (Peter and James being the others) who were in Jesus’ inner circle (Mark 5:37; Matthew 17:1-2; 26:36-45; John 19:25-27).
  • In 1 John 1:1-4, John seems to want to establish the fact that Jesus came to do the will of the Father in the flesh. John was an eyewitness of Jesus. He saw, heard, and even touched Jesus. John also provides the process of communication between God and us. The Holy Spirit revealed the will of God to the apostles (John 16:12-15,) and they wrote it down for us to know. Only when we believe their testimony, are we able to have fellowship with them, God the Father, and His Son.
  • 1 John 1: 5-10 talk about how God is the light, and He expects us to walk in His light. We cannot be in fellowship with God and walk in the dark (sin). If we are currently walking in the darkness, we must confess our sins and seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Christians who sincerely seek His forgiveness are promised to receive it (1 John 1:9).

Chapter 1 Questions

  • What does John say about Jesus in 1 John 1: 1-2? Why is he giving this information (1 John 1:3-4)?
  • How is God described in 1 John 1: 5-7? What does this mean? Are we also required to imitate God in this way? If so, how?
  • What does John say all Christians are guilty of in 1 John 1: 8 and 10? What is the remedy for this problem (1 John 1:9)?