by Melannie Gonzalez

Created on: May 02, 2008

The first in a series of three apostolic letters written by the apostle John was penned around 98 A.D. shortly before his death in or near the city of Ephesus. While none of the three letters actually bear the name of the Apostle John, scholars agree that the content and the writing style bear striking similarity to the Gospel account accredited to him. Its authenticity had been firmly established and writers such as Polycarp and Tertulian are among those who cite the letters in their works.

John writes in the second chapter to "parents, little children and young children" indicating that his letter was not a personal letter directed to one person, but rather to one or more congregations in the area and would have application to the entire association of Christian Brothers. Earlier, the Apostles Peter and Paul had warned Christians of the appearance of apostate teachers and teachings. This would consist of anyone or anything that strayed from or added to the teachings of the Christ. Now, in the year 98, John is the last apostle alive. The strong, positive influence that came from the presence of such mature, spiritual men in the congregations has begun to diminish. Now, the divisive effects of the false teachings which have begin to flourish are taking their toll of the brotherhood. John wrote his letter as a treatise designed to safeguard his beloved Christian brothers from the apostate influences threatening the peace and unity of the Christian congregation. However, its intent is not merely to refute false teachings. Its main purpose was to strengthen their faith in the truths they had already received. This would serve as a strong deterrent to their turning away from truthful teachings.

John's strong love for his brothers in the faith is evident in the way he addresses them many times as "beloved ones". The use of such terms as "my little children" indicates that John was advanced in age and viewed the congregation through the eyes of a loving parent. It is also clear that John was moved by his love of the truth and his hatred of false teachings to write his letter. In this letter John examines three basic themes: the Antichrist, sin, and love.

In writing about the Antichrist John states that "even now there have come to be many Antichrists." (1 John 2:18) These are ones who "went out from us", or were at one time part of the congregation, but have gone out, or have apostatized, proving that they are "not of our sort." (2:19). What did John reveal as regards

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