1 John 1:5

And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

Study Bible

And this is the message
The Greek word for "message" here is "ἀγγελία" (angelia), which signifies a proclamation or announcement. This term underscores the authoritative and divine nature of the communication. In the historical context of the early church, this message was not merely a new teaching but a revelation that carried the weight of divine truth, meant to be received with reverence and obedience.

we have heard from Him
The phrase emphasizes the apostolic authority and eyewitness testimony of John and the other apostles. The Greek verb "ἀκούω" (akouo) implies not just hearing but understanding and internalizing the message. Historically, this reflects the close relationship the apostles had with Jesus, having been direct recipients of His teachings and witnesses to His life, death, and resurrection.

and announce to you
The Greek word "ἀναγγέλλω" (anaggellō) means to declare or report. This conveys the responsibility of the apostles to faithfully transmit the teachings of Christ to the believers. In the early church, this was crucial for maintaining doctrinal purity and unity among the followers of Christ, ensuring that the message remained unaltered and true to its divine origin.

God is light
The metaphor of "light" (φῶς, phōs) is rich in biblical symbolism, representing purity, holiness, and truth. In the Hebrew Scriptures, light is often associated with God's presence and guidance (e.g., Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation"). This declaration affirms God's absolute moral perfection and His role as the source of all truth and righteousness.

and in Him there is no darkness at all
The phrase "no darkness at all" uses a double negative in Greek ("οὐδεμία σκοτία," oudemia skotia) for emphasis, underscoring the complete absence of sin or evil in God. Darkness, in biblical terms, often symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from God. This stark contrast between light and darkness highlights the incompatibility of sin with God's nature and serves as a call for believers to walk in the light, reflecting God's holiness in their lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of 1 John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples, known for his close relationship with Christ and his emphasis on love and truth.

2. God
The central figure in this verse, described as "Light," symbolizing purity, holiness, and truth.

3. The Early Church
The recipients of John's letter, who were facing challenges from false teachings and needed reassurance of the truth of the Gospel.

Teaching Points

God's Nature as Light
God's essence is pure, holy, and without any trace of evil or deceit. Understanding this helps us trust in His character and His promises.

The Absence of Darkness
In God, there is no darkness at all, meaning He is completely trustworthy and righteous. This challenges us to examine areas of our lives where darkness may reside and seek His light.

Living in the Light
As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light, reflecting God's holiness and truth in our daily actions and decisions.

Discernment Against False Teachings
The early church faced false teachings, and so do we today. Knowing that God is light helps us discern truth from error and remain steadfast in our faith.

Fellowship with God and Others
Walking in the light fosters genuine fellowship with God and other believers, as we share in His truth and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as "Light" influence your perception of His character and your relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can you actively "walk in the light" in your daily life, and what challenges might you face in doing so?

3. How does the absence of darkness in God provide comfort and assurance in times of uncertainty or doubt?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to discern truth from false teachings in today's world?

5. How can living in the light enhance your fellowship with other believers and strengthen your community of faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:3-4
The creation account where God creates light, separating it from darkness, illustrating His power and purity.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself as the "Light of the world," connecting His divine nature to the description of God as Light.

James 1:17
Describes God as the Father of lights, with no variation or shadow, reinforcing His unchanging and pure nature.

Ephesians 5:8-9
Encourages believers to live as children of light, reflecting God's nature in their lives.