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John, the writer of three letters which bear his name, was
the Apostle John, who was called by Jesus to be a disciple.
At that time (Mark 1:14-20) John was a young man. He seems
to have recognised the fact that he had much for which to
be thankful to Jesus. In his Gospel record John refers to
himself several times as "the disciple whom Jesus loved".
Now as an Apostle and a much older man, he continues the same
theme of the love of Jesus and the greatness of the
Son of God.
John writes to Christians to help them know that the facts
about Jesus were certain. Like others, John had seen Jesus,
touched him and listened to him, both before and after his
resurrection. He knew that all they had believed about him
was true. Not only so, but believers could know that they
had "fellowship" with Christ and were united in
him if they "walked in the light", that is, if they
kept the beliefs and practices of Jesus (1:4).
Just as in the Gospel of John (1:1-9, 9:5) we read of Jesus
as being the Light of the World, so here in John's letter.
Those who lived like Jesus and followed him were "walking
in the light" and were not blind (2:11).
John wrote his letters to warn his readers also. False teachings
were already developing and many believers were influenced
by those who denied the facts about Jesus as the Son of God.
Such false prophets (teachers) are called antichrist
in this letter (2:18-23). Any false teaching is antichrist.
It is vital that we "walk in the light", that is,
be guided by God's word (1:6-7). We show our love for
God when we believe His word and keep His commandments. We
show our love for others by showing them the way of truth
and eternal life (1:2, 5:20).
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