Bible Dictionary
John, The First Epistle General Of
The First General Epistle of John teaches that fellowship with God rests on Christ’s atoning sacrifice and advocacy, and that genuine faith is shown through holiness, obedience, purity, faith, and love.
Definition
The First General Epistle of John declares the Word of Life so that believers may share true fellowship with one another, with God the Father, and with Jesus Christ. It teaches that union with God rests on Christ’s atoning blood and advocacy and is expressed through holiness, obedience, purity, faith, and love.
Biblical Usage
The epistle joins Christ’s saving work with the believer’s obedient and holy life. It gives particular prominence to love as the characteristic of those who belong to God.
Historical Background
The supplied material identifies the apostle John as author and places the epistle probably at Ephesus near the close of the first century.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
There can be no doubt that the apostle John was the author of this epistle. It was probably written from Ephesus, and most likely at the close of the first century. In the introduction, ch. (1 John 1:1-4) the apostle states the purpose of his epistle: it is to declare the word of life to those whom he is addressing, in order that he and they might be united in true communion with each other, and with God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. His lesson throughout is that the means of union with God are, on the part of Christ, his atoning blood, ch. (1 John 1:7; 2:2; 3:5; 4:10,14; 5:6) and advocacy, ch. (1 John 2:1) on the part of man, holiness, ch. (1 John 1:6), obedience, ch. (1 John 2:3) purity, ch. (1 John 3:3) faith, ch. (1 John 3:23; 4:3; 5:5) and above all love. ch. (1 John 2:7; 3:14; 4:7; 5:1)