The Book of 1 John
The First Epistle of John addresses assurance, truth, and love in the Christian life. John writes to confront false teaching while strengthening believers' confidence in their relationship with God.
John emphasizes that God is light and love, and that fellowship with Him is demonstrated through obedience and righteous living. Claims of faith that ignore truth and holiness are shown to be empty.
A major theme of the letter is assurance. John reassures believers that forgiveness is available through Jesus Christ, who serves as an advocate for those who repent. Salvation is not rooted in perfection, but in honest faith and trust in Christ.
John repeatedly emphasizes love as the defining mark of genuine faith. God's love is revealed through Christ's sacrifice and must be reflected in believers' relationships with one another.
Overall, 1 John provides clarity and confidence, showing what authentic Christian faith looks like and how believers can know they belong to God.
1 John teaches:
- •God is light and love
- •Genuine faith produces obedience and love
- •Believers can have assurance of salvation.
Author
John
Written
85-95 AD
Chapters
5
Characters in 1 John
Key Themes in 1 John
Verse Commentaries in 1 John
1 John 1:7
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship…"
1 John 1:9
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…"
1 John 3:1
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we …"
1 John 3:2
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what w…"
1 John 3:16
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for …"
1 John 4:4
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greate…"
1 John 4:7-8
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one th…"
1 John 4:7
"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one th…"
1 John 4:8
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.…"
1 John 4:10
"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent …"
1 John 4:16
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is lo…"
1 John 4:18
"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because f…"
1 John 4:19
"We love him, because he first loved us.…"
1 John 5:14-15
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any th…"
1 John 5:14
"And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any th…"
1 John 5:15
"And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we hav…"
Test your knowledge
Take the 1 John Bible Quiz (KJV)
Ten KJV questions from the Book of 1 John, with chapter and verse on every answer.
Structured Plans for 1 John
Read through 1 John with a guided daily plan.
New Testament in 30 Days
Read through the entire New Testament in one month. About 9 chapters per day.
Foundations of Faith
Key passages that form the foundation of Christian faith. Perfect for new believers.
Bible in a Year
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Advent: Journey to Christmas (25 Days)
Walk through 25 days of Scripture leading to the birth of Jesus. From Old Testament prophecy to the manger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Miracles in the Book of 1 John
Supernatural acts of God recorded in 1 John:
The Transfiguration of Jesus
Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, His face shining as the sun, with Moses and Elijah appearing.
Read the miraclePentecost — Tongues of Fire
The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples with a rushing wind and cloven tongues of fire on the day of Pentecost.
Read the miracleDorcas Raised from the Dead
Peter prays in an upper room and Dorcas, a beloved disciple, is raised back to life.
Read the miracleQuiz yourself on 1 John
Free KJV quizzes covering 1 John — instant feedback, verse references on every answer.
- Easy · 10 Qs
1 John 4 Quiz — God Is Love
Trying the spirits, loving one another, and perfect love casting out fear.
Start quiz - Medium · 10 Qs
1 John Quiz
A study of light, love, and the witness of the Spirit in the First Epistle of John.
Start quiz - Easy · 10 Qs
Love Bible Quiz
Charity, the greatest commandment, and the love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13.
Start quiz
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