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Study the Book of 

1 John

A guide to understanding the structure, themes, and message of 

1 John

Overview

1 John reassures believers of the reality of eternal life and calls them to live in truth, obedience, and love.

Quick Facts

Date

c. AD 85–95

Author

John

Testament

New Testament

Biblical Division

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Literary Genre

Pastoral exhortation

Purpose

To strengthen believers’ assurance of salvation and protect the church from teachings that denied the true nature of Christ.

Historical & Biblical Context

1 John was written to Christian communities influenced by teachings that questioned the true identity of Jesus. Some individuals claimed special spiritual knowledge while denying that Jesus truly came in the flesh. John writes to reaffirm the foundational truths of the gospel and to assure believers that genuine faith produces observable results in life and character. Throughout the letter, John highlights three recurring themes: belief in the truth about Christ, obedience to God’s commands, and love for fellow believers. These themes serve as indicators of authentic faith. Historically, the letter reflects the church’s early efforts to confront teachings that threatened the clarity of the gospel message. Within the New Testament, 1 John provides pastoral guidance designed to strengthen confidence in the faith and encourage believers toward faithful living.

Structure 

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Major Themes

Key Passages

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How to Study

1 John

Guided Study Path

If you're not sure where to begin, this pathway breaks the book into study units that can be carefully observed and meditated on in one sitting, though they don't have to be. Study 1, for example, can take several days, while Study 2 may be only one day. It's intentionally not broken into timed units, so that you can move at your own pace and spend time with each passage.

Continue Your Study

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Character Studies Related to

1 John

Word Studies Related to

1 John

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Dig Deeper into 

1 John

Our Bible study guides walk through each book with structured questions that help you observe the text carefully, trace major themes, and understand how the message fits within the larger story of Scripture. The Study Guide can be used individually or with the Leader Guide in a group setting.

Study guides are currently in development. Check back soon for when they become available.

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