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As a boy, John thought of Jesus as just a cousin, one of the sons of Aunt Mary, his mother Salome's sister. Little did John realize that someday he would be chosen by God to be one of Jesus' twelve apostles.

    John had been known as a "son of thunder" (Mark 3:17), but a  transformation had taken place. Now he was called "the disciple whom Jesus loved."

    Even though John's name is not mentioned in this epistle, there is much evidence that he is the author. John had been with Jesus. He had seen Him, heard Him, touched Him, and been filled with His love. This is evident as you hear John's fatherly heart for those who belong to Jesus. He loves the fathers, the young men, the dear children. Yet as he writes about the antichrist and deceivers, you can hear the rumble of thunder in the background.

    We don't know when John wrote this first epistle. It may have been between A.D. 85 and 95, when he was in Ephesus before being exiled to the Isle of Patmos. Love-and thunder- compelled him to write. He had to protect his children from a deception that could darken their understanding. He had to warn them about the brewing storm of Gnosticism-a teaching that could keep them from having fellowship with him and thus with the Father and the Son (1 John 1:3).

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How to Study 1 John (NASB) 

1. Begin your study by reading through 1 John and marking every reference to the author in one color and every reference to the recipients in another.

2. If you want to handle a passage of Scripture accurately you must always interpret it in the light of its context. Context simply means that which goes "with" (con) the "text." Context rules when it comes to interpretation. Identifying the author's purpose for writing will help you discern the context of a passage. What the author says, he says in the light of his purpose fro writing.  In this letter the author tells us his purpose in seven different verses: 1:4; 2:1, 12-14,21, and 26. Then in 1 John 5:13 he concludes by summarizing his purpose for writing. Read these verses and record his reason for writing on the chart I AM WRITING TO YOU.  Record on the Structure of 1 John the author's purpose fro writing.

3. One of the major heresies the church would face was gnosticism. Gnosticism wasn't in full bloom in John's time, but the seeds had been sown. Understanding gnosticism will help you better understand why John concentrated on the truths contained in his writing. Therefore, before you go any further, read the article "Understanding Gnosticisms"

4. Now 1 John chapter by chapter:

   1. Mark each of the key words (and their synonyms and pronouns). When  you finish, go to the chart 1 John key Words and record the number of times each key word is used in each chapter. Then determine the number of times each word is used in 1 John. Doing this will  help you see the main themes of 1 John.

   2. John uses contrasts in order to make his point: light/darkness, children of God/children of the devil, etc. Watch for these contrasts; observe what you learn from them.

5. Remember, 1 John was written "so that you may know," When you finish reading all five chapter, trace throughout 1 John repeated use of the word know and record what you learn from the text no the chart What I can know and How I can know it. Watch the matters John deals with in respect to wrong behavior or wrong belief.

6. You may want to keep a running list of everything you learn about God, Jesus Christ, and the Spirit from this book.

7. Record the theme of each chapter on Structure of 1 John. Fill any  remaining information called for on the chart. 

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Application of 1 John

1. Based on the criteria given in this book, how can you know whether or not you have eternal life?

2. What have you learned about sin from 1 John? Do you practice sin or righteousness?

3. Do you love the thing of the world? Are you caught up in the pride of life, in boasting, or in desiring whatever your ayes see?

4. According to 1 John 3, what are you to do when your heart condemns you?

5. Does you belief about Jesus Christ match what 1 John teaches about Him?

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Key Words in the NIV and KJV

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