Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the Gospel of John compared to First John?
What key theme is emphasized in First John regarding humanity?
Which chapter of First John is highlighted as key?
What purpose does First John serve in relation to false teachings?
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To whom was the epistle of First John likely addressed?
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What does First John primarily emphasize about the current ministry of Christ?
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What aspect of fellowship does First John focus on in its outline?
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Which of the following statements is true regarding John's authorship of the epistle?
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What is the basic theme summarized in First John 2:28?
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Which concept introduced in 3:24 is developed further in 4:1-16?
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What does the apostle John use as an example of what love is not?
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Which of the following represents the first link in John's chain of love concepts?
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What role does faith in Christ play according to First John?
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In the epilogue of First John, how is sin described in relation to fellowship?
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Which event does John correlate with Jesus being validated as the Christ?
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What is considered the antidote to heretical teachings according to First John?
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What result does practicing love, as demonstrated by Christ, produce in believers?
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Which characteristic is not included in the six links forming John's circular chain of concepts?
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Study Notes
Introduction
- John's five books in the New Testament include the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the Revelation.
- The gospel of John focuses on salvation, the past, and Christ the Prophet.
- The three epistles are about sanctification, the present, and Christ the Priest.
- The Revelation focuses on glorification, the future, and Christ the King.
Author
- The epistle has been traditionally ascribed to John the Apostle.
- Although the author’s name does not appear in the letter, the tone suggests he was an eyewitness to the life of Jesus.
- Early Christian writers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian recognized the epistle as John's.
Date
- There is no mention of a specific address for the letter.
- It is possible the apostle directed it to the Asian churches.
- The letter was likely written in Ephesus after the Gospel of John, but the exact date is uncertain.
Key Information
- Key words: fellowship with God.
- Key verses: I John 1:3, 4 and 5:11-13.
- Key chapter: I John 1.
- Statistics: Chapters: 5, Verses: 105.
Purpose
- To provide authentic instruction regarding the truth and reality of Christian beliefs.
- To expose false teachings.
- To give believers assurance of salvation.
- To prove the humanity of Jesus.
- To refute false doctrine and to encourage readers to walk in the knowledge of the truth.
Outline
- The basis of fellowship (1:1-2:27): This section covers the beginnings of apostolic contact with Christ, conditions of fellowship, and cautions to fellowship.
- The behavior of fellowship (2:28-5:21): This section focuses on the practical manifestation of fellowship, encompassing the themes of regeneration, love, and obedience.
The Christ of First John
- The present ministry of Christ is depicted in 1:5-2:22.
- His blood continually cleanses believers from sin, and he is our righteous Advocate before the Father.
- The epistle emphasizes the incarnation of God the Son and the identity of Jesus as the Christ, refuting Gnostic doctrine.
- Jesus Christ "came by water and blood" (5:6), referring to his baptism and crucifixion.
Summary of First John
- The Basis of Fellowship (1:1-2:27): John's prologue (1:1-4) recalls the beginning of apostolic contact with Christ. It relates his desire to transmit this apostolic witness to his readers so that they may share the same fellowship with Jesus Christ. The readers’ sins have been forgiven, and they enjoy fellowship with God. They are strengthened to overcome temptations. The cautions to fellowship include avoiding the temptations of the world and rejecting false teachings.
- The Behavior of Fellowship (2:28-5:21): The basic theme of First John is assurance through abiding in Christ. This section argues that regeneration is manifested in the practice of righteousness, and righteousness is shown in love. The apostle uses examples to illustrate love, its opposite, and its practical expression. This love results in assurance before God and answered prayers.
John's Circular Chain of Six Links
- This section outlines six linked concepts that begin with love for the brethren (4:20-5:17):
- (1) Love for believers is the inseparable product of love for God (4:20- 5:1).
- (2) Love for God arises out of obedience to his commandments (5:2, 3).
- (3) Obedience to God is the result of faith in His Son (5:4, 5).
- (4) This faith is in Jesus, who was the Christ not only at His baptism (the water), but also at His death (the blood; 5:6-8).
- (5) The divine witness to the person of Christ is worthy of complete belief (5:9-13).
- (6) This belief produces confident access to God in prayer (5:14—17).
Epilogue (5:18-21)
- This section summarizes the conclusions of the epistle:
- Sin is a threat to fellowship and should be regarded as foreign to the believer’s position in Christ.
- The believer stands with God against the satanic world system.
- The incarnation produces true knowledge and communion with Christ.
Outline
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I. The Tests of Fellowship: God is Light (1:5-2:29):
- The test of obedience (1:5-2:6)
- The test of love (2:7-17)
- The test of truth (2:18-29)
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II. The Tests of Son ship: God Is Love (3-5):
- The test of obedience (3)
- The test of love (4)
- The test of truth (5)
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Description
Explore the five significant writings attributed to John the Apostle in the New Testament, including the Gospel of John and three epistles. This quiz covers their themes of salvation, sanctification, and glorification, as well as the identity and historical context of the author. Test your knowledge on the key concepts and verses within these foundational Christian texts.
