First Epistle of John

Much like the Epistles of Hebrews, James, and Peter, the letter of 1 John is among the epistles relegated to the very end of the "New Testament". Perhaps the Church Fathers felt that these epistles were written primarily to a Jewish audience? Whatever the case, Jewish & Messianic communities in the Diaspora during the First Century consisted of both Jews and "God-fearing" non-Jews. Therefore, these letters were intended for a broad audience within the Body of Messiah, both Jew and non-Jew alike.

The Epistle of First John seeks to combat the influence of Greek gnosticism within the believing community. It also defines how followers of Yeshua are to discern true teachers: by their ethics, their love, and tzedakah (righteousness).

Letters like 1 John are important - they define for us what it means to walk in the footsteps of the Messiah. This study removes any doubt as to who this letter was written for and what its intended understanding means for us as followers and disciples of Messiah Yeshua.