1 John (Introduction) (Bible Study)

Overview and Purpose of the First Epistle of John.
The First Epistle of John, likely written around A.D. 100 after John's imprisonment on Patmos, is more a pastoral sermon than a traditional letter. It addresses the church in Ephesus, which had lost its initial fervor and faced internal threats rather than external persecution. The main danger was Gnosticism, a philosophy denying Jesus' incarnation and promoting the idea that matter is evil. John wrote to affirm Jesus' true humanity and divinity, countering heresies like Docetism and Cerinthianism. The epistle's purposes include fostering fellowship with God, joy, sinlessness, assurance of eternal life, and faith in Jesus. It is considered a family epistle, emphasizing believers' relationship with God and the importance of confession and forgiveness. The epistle has been highly valued for strengthening believers' faith and church attendance.