Title and Author: The book of 1 John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, the son of Zebedee, who is also credited with writing the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation. The title "1 John" signifies its position as the first of three epistles attributed to John. The early church unanimously recognized John as the author, and internal evidence, such as thematic and linguistic similarities to the Gospel of John, supports this attribution.

Historical Context: 1 John was likely written between A.D. 85 and 95, during a time when the early church faced internal and external challenges. The Roman Empire was a dominant force, and Christians were often persecuted. Additionally, false teachings, particularly Gnosticism, began to infiltrate the church, challenging the core doctrines of Christianity.

Audience: The epistle was addressed to a broad audience of believers, likely in Asia Minor, where John had significant influence. The letter does not specify a particular church, suggesting it was intended for circulation among multiple congregations.

Purpose: John wrote this epistle to combat false teachings, affirm the true nature of Christ, and encourage believers to live in love and obedience. He aimed to provide assurance of salvation and promote fellowship with God and fellow believers.

Genre and Style: 1 John is an epistle, characterized by its pastoral tone and cyclical style, where themes are revisited and expanded upon throughout the letter.1. Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1)
- Described as "the Word of life," Jesus is central to the message of 1 John. He is presented as the Son of God, whose life, death, and resurrection bring fellowship with God and eternal life to believers.

2. God the Father (1 John 1:2)
- Referred to as the one who sent Jesus, God the Father is depicted as the source of light and love. The letter emphasizes the relationship between God and believers, highlighting His role in the salvation and sanctification of His children.

3. John the Apostle (Implied Author)
- While not explicitly named in the text, the author is traditionally understood to be John the Apostle. He presents himself as an eyewitness to Jesus' life and ministry, emphasizing his authority to testify about Jesus.

4. Believers/Children of God (1 John 2:1)
- The recipients of the letter are referred to as "my little children" and "beloved." They are encouraged to live in the light, love one another, and remain faithful to the teachings of Christ.

5. The Antichrist (1 John 2:18)
- Mentioned as a figure who denies Jesus as the Christ, the Antichrist represents false teachers and deceivers who lead people away from the truth of the Gospel.

6. Cain (1 John 3:12)
- Cain is referenced as an example of someone who did evil by murdering his brother Abel. His actions are used to illustrate the contrast between love and hatred.1. Ephesus
- Description: Although not explicitly mentioned in 1 John, early church tradition holds that the Apostle John wrote this letter while residing in Ephesus. Ephesus was a major city in Asia Minor and a hub of early Christian activity.

2. The Early Christian Community
- Description: The letter is addressed broadly to believers and not a specific church. It reflects John's concern for a community struggling with false teachings, likely within various house churches in Asia Minor.

3. The World (Kosmos)
- Description: Frequently mentioned metaphorically to represent the sinful, fallen system opposed to God (e.g., 1 John 2:15–17). This contrasts the community of believers who are called to live differently.

4. The Light vs. Darkness Dichotomy
- Description: A symbolic location where John describes spiritual realities (1 John 1:5–7). Believers are encouraged to walk in the light, representing God’s truth and fellowship, avoiding the darkness of sin and separation from God.

5. The Spirit’s Abode
- Description: Refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers (1 John 4:13). This location signifies the spiritual unity and relationship between God and His people.

6. The Father’s House
- Description: Implied in 1 John 3:1–2, where believers are called children of God and anticipate seeing God face-to-face, pointing toward eternal fellowship with Him.

7. The Heart of the Believer
- Description: Often mentioned in the context of love and assurance (1 John 3:19–21). The heart is a metaphorical location where God’s love and commandments are meant to dwell.

8. The Place of False Teachers
- Description: Refers to those who have gone out from the community (1 John 2:19), symbolizing a separation caused by heretical teachings.

9. The Worldly Realm of Antichrist
- Description: John speaks of the spirit of the antichrist being in the world (1 John 4:3). This metaphorical location represents opposition to Christ in the world.

10. Eternal Life in Christ
- Description: The ultimate location promised to believers (1 John 5:11–13). This eternal fellowship with God through Jesus Christ is the culmination of John’s message.1. Proclamation of the Word of Life (1:1-4)
The letter begins with a declaration about the Word of Life, which refers to Jesus Christ. The author emphasizes having heard, seen, and touched this Word, underscoring the reality of Jesus' incarnation and the fellowship believers have with the Father and the Son.

2. Walking in the Light (1:5-7)
The message that "God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1:5) is introduced. Believers are called to walk in the light, meaning to live in truth and righteousness, which results in fellowship with one another and cleansing from sin through Jesus' blood.

3. Confession and Forgiveness of Sins (1:8-10)
The text addresses the reality of sin, urging believers to confess their sins. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1:9).

4. Jesus as Our Advocate (2:1-2)
Jesus Christ is described as an advocate with the Father for believers, emphasizing His role as the atoning sacrifice for sins, not only for believers but for the whole world.

5. Obedience and Love as Evidence of Knowing God (2:3-6)
The letter stresses that knowing God is evidenced by obedience to His commandments. "Whoever claims to abide in Him must walk as Jesus walked" (2:6).

6. The New Commandment of Love (2:7-11)
The author reiterates the commandment to love one another, which is both old and new. Love is presented as a sign of living in the light.

7. Warning Against Worldliness (2:15-17)
Believers are warned not to love the world or the things in it, as "the world is passing away, along with its desires" (2:17).

8. Antichrists and the Last Hour (2:18-23)
The presence of many antichrists is noted as a sign of the last hour. The text warns against those who deny Jesus as the Christ, labeling them as antichrists.

9. Anointing by the Holy Spirit (2:20, 2:27)
Believers have an anointing from the Holy One, which teaches them about all things and affirms the truth of the gospel.

10. Children of God and Righteous Living (3:1-10)
The text describes believers as children of God, emphasizing that those who are born of God do not continue in sin. "The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him" (3:1).

11. Love in Action (3:11-18)
The message of loving one another is reinforced, with a call to love not just in words but in actions and truth. The example of Cain, who murdered his brother, is used to illustrate the opposite of love.

12. Confidence Before God (3:19-24)
Assurance of faith is discussed, highlighting that keeping God's commandments and believing in Jesus gives believers confidence before God.

13. Testing the Spirits (4:1-6)
Believers are instructed to test the spirits to discern whether they are from God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world.

14. God is Love (4:7-21)
The nature of God as love is explored, with a call for believers to love one another. "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear" (4:18).

15. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God (5:1-12)
The text emphasizes that faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the victory that overcomes the world. The testimony of God concerning His Son is highlighted.

16. Assurance of Eternal Life (5:13-21)
The letter concludes with assurance of eternal life for those who believe in the name of the Son of God. It also includes a call to keep away from idols and a reminder that "the whole world is under the power of the evil one" (5:19).1. Fellowship with God and Believers (1 John 1:3)
- The theme of fellowship is introduced as the author speaks of proclaiming what they have seen and heard so that others may have fellowship with them, and indeed, their fellowship is with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the communal aspect of faith and the shared life among believers.

2. Walking in the Light (1 John 1:5-7)
- The concept of walking in the light is central to the message of 1 John. It contrasts living in truth and righteousness with living in darkness and sin. "God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5) sets the foundation for this theme.

3. Confession and Forgiveness of Sins (1 John 1:9)
- The theme of confession and forgiveness is crucial for understanding the relationship between believers and God. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9) highlights the importance of acknowledging sin and receiving God's grace.

4. Obedience to God's Commands (1 John 2:3-4)
- Obedience is a recurring theme, emphasizing that knowing God is demonstrated through keeping His commandments. "By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3) underscores the link between faith and action.

5. Love for One Another (1 John 2:10)
- Love is a dominant theme, particularly love for fellow believers. "Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him" (1 John 2:10) illustrates the moral and spiritual imperative to love others.

6. Warning Against Worldliness (1 John 2:15-17)
- The epistle warns against loving the world and its desires, which are transient and opposed to the will of God. "Do not love the world or anything in the world" (1 John 2:15) serves as a caution against materialism and secular values.

7. Antichrists and False Teachings (1 John 2:18-19)
- The presence of antichrists and false teachings is addressed, warning believers to remain vigilant and discerning. "Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared" (1 John 2:18) highlights the need for spiritual discernment.

8. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27)
- The anointing of the Holy Spirit is presented as a source of truth and guidance for believers. "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" (1 John 2:20) emphasizes the role of the Spirit in understanding and living out the faith.

9. The Children of God (1 John 3:1-2)
- The identity of believers as children of God is a profound theme, highlighting the love of God and the transformation it brings. "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1) speaks to the intimate relationship between God and believers.

10. The Assurance of Eternal Life (1 John 5:11-13)
- Assurance of eternal life is a comforting theme, providing believers with confidence in their salvation. "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son" (1 John 5:11) assures believers of their eternal destiny through faith in Jesus Christ.1. The Word of Life (1 John 1:1)
- This title emphasizes Jesus as the eternal and living Word, who was with the Father from the beginning and has been revealed to humanity. It underscores His role in bringing life and truth.

2. The Eternal Life (1 John 1:2)
- Jesus is described as the manifestation of eternal life, which was with the Father and has been revealed to us. This highlights His divine nature and His role in granting eternal life to believers.

3. The Advocate (1 John 2:1)
- Jesus is referred to as our Advocate with the Father, indicating His role as a mediator and intercessor for believers, especially when they sin.

4. The Righteous One (1 John 2:1)
- This title underscores Jesus' sinless nature and His perfect righteousness, which qualifies Him to be our Advocate and the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

5. The Atoning Sacrifice (1 John 2:2)
- Jesus is described as the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. This highlights His sacrificial death and its universal scope.

6. The Son of God (1 John 3:8)
- This title affirms Jesus' divine sonship and His mission to destroy the works of the devil, emphasizing His authority and power over evil.

7. The Savior of the World (1 John 4:14)
- Jesus is recognized as the Savior of the world, highlighting His role in bringing salvation to all humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.

8. The Christ (1 John 5:1)
- The title "Christ" refers to Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one sent by God to fulfill the promises of salvation and establish His kingdom.

9. The True God and Eternal Life (1 John 5:20)
- Jesus is identified as the true God and eternal life, affirming His divinity and His role as the source of eternal life for believers.1. Prophecy of the Coming of Jesus Christ:
- Reference: "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (1 John 4:2).
- Fulfillment Context: This statement affirms the incarnation of Jesus, which is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah coming to dwell among His people (e.g., Isaiah 7:14).

2. Prophecy of Eternal Life through Jesus:
- Reference: "And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life" (1 John 2:25).
- Fulfillment Context: The promise of eternal life is fulfilled through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as foretold in various Old Testament scriptures (e.g., Daniel 12:2).

3. Prophecy of the Anointing of Believers:
- Reference: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" (1 John 2:20).
- Fulfillment Context: This anointing refers to the Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus to His followers (John 14:16-17), fulfilling prophecies about the Spirit's outpouring (e.g., Joel 2:28-29).

4. Prophecy of the Victory over the World:
- Reference: "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith" (1 John 5:4).
- Fulfillment Context: This victory is achieved through Jesus Christ, who overcame the world (John 16:33), fulfilling the promise of triumph over sin and evil.

While 1 John does not contain direct prophecies and their immediate fulfillments, it reinforces the fulfillment of key Christian doctrines and promises through the life and work of Jesus Christ.

1. The First Test of Fellowship  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:17 )

a. Understanding Christ and Sin  ( 1:1⁠–⁠10 )

i. The Word of Life: Jesus Christ  ( 1:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii. Walking in the Light: View of Sin  ( 1:5⁠–⁠10 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 2:1⁠–⁠17 )

i. Jesus Our Advocate: Obedience  ( 2:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii. Love Properly  ( 2:7⁠–⁠17 )

1. A New Commandment: Love One Another  ( 2:7⁠–⁠14 )

2. Do Not Love the World  ( 2:15⁠–⁠17 )

2. The Second Test of Fellowship  ( 2:18⁠–⁠3:24 )

a. Understanding Antichrists  ( 2:18⁠–⁠23 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 2:24⁠–⁠3:24 )

i. Remain in Christ: Do Not Be Deceived  ( 2:24⁠–⁠29 )

ii. Children of God  ( 3:1⁠–⁠24 )

1. Practice Righteousness  ( 3:1⁠–⁠10 )

2. Love One Another  ( 3:11⁠–⁠24 )

3. The Third Test of Fellowship  ( 4:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. Testing the Spirits  ( 4:1⁠–⁠6 )

b. Outward Display of Understanding  ( 4:7⁠–⁠21 )

i. Love Comes from God  ( 4:7⁠–⁠10 )

ii. Love One Another  ( 4:11⁠–⁠21 )

4. The Fourth Test of Fellowship  ( 5:1⁠–⁠21 )

a. Understanding Christ’s Victory  ( 5:1⁠–⁠12 )

i. Overcoming the World  ( 5:1⁠–⁠8 )

ii. God’s Testimony about His Son  ( 5:9⁠–⁠12 )

b. Outward Displays of Understanding  ( 5:13⁠–⁠21 )

i. Effective Prayer  ( 5:13⁠–⁠17 )

ii. The True God  ( 5:18⁠–⁠21 )