1 John 1
The themes of this letter are based on John’s years of walking with Jesus, all over Palestine. It does not have many direct quotes from Jesus, but instead John’s letter contains the distilled wisdom of Jesus. This letter points out what was really important to Jesus, from John’s mature perspective as the last surviving Apostle.
This Letter needs to be understood as a whole package. The early themes are explained and expanded in the latter parts of the letter. The message of this letter is very tightly knit giving warnings and encouragement, which builds over the six chapters. John does not write this letter as a reproof, such as the book of Galatians. Instead it is a message of great encouragement, to a group of mature, growing, believers in Christ.
Its purpose is especially for devoted followers of Jesus who wish to more closely represents the gospel as John the Apostle and friend to Jesus, teaches us. These themes, although young believers can find encouragement, are in the settings of John “Dear Children” (1 John 2:1) and “Dear Friends” (1 John 2:7), that he has mentored over a period of time.
The entire letter of John is focused on this small group of believers he calls his “dear children,” nine times in this letter, who he called into “fellowship” (1 John 1:3) with him. To have fellowship with the man that knew Jesus and his mother and brothers, all during His ministry—we have been given this letter.
Sadly this letter is mostly neglected in modern pulpits. Many of its themes are buried treasure, which require repeated prayerful uncovering of its many challenges. To John he writes common themes that were easily understood by his readers. It teaches a grand picture of how a mature growing Christians, will live their lives. Some portions of this letter are extremely precious that we wish to hold the pages on our chest, because they are so encouraging.
John’s letter is very different than any other New Testament book. It challenges us, yes it does. It encourages us, yes it does. It warns us of present and future dangers, yes it does. It calls us to the Ministry of the Spirit, yes it does. It makes love the theme of everything, yes it does. It is plain spoken with very brief sentences, yes, it is. It repeats its themes throughout the letter, yes it does.
It is devoid of almost all the points of doctrines and creeds that most congregations teach as an essential for their members. To John they are not so essential.
1 John 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at [observed] and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. NIV
1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life NKJV
Soon to Come--The entire letter. Watch for it.
At the present time, Fall 2025 we are working on Ephesians 6, a verse at a time, and 1 John 1-5. Writing on Chapter 4.
Brother's In Scriptures