First John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, who was one of Jesus’ closest followers and is often referred to as the disciple whom Jesus loved. Many scholars believe that John composed this letter in the late first century AD while residing in or near Ephesus, a thriving port city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Ephesus held significant influence in the region, serving as a religious, cultural, and commercial center in the Roman Empire. In this letter, John addresses believers to strengthen their faith and warn them against false teachings.

Throughout 1 John, the theme of fellowship with God and others is front and center. John emphasizes the importance of walking in the light and practicing the truth. He states, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6). This clarifies that a genuine relationship with God should be accompanied by true obedience and moral purity. Moreover, John teaches that love is an inseparable aspect of genuine faith. He affirms that God is love and that believers should love each other just as Christ loved them.

John also confronts doctrinal errors that were circulating among early Christians, defending central beliefs such as the truth of Jesus’ incarnation and the necessity of assurance in salvation. He warns believers about anyone who denies Jesus as the Son of God and encourages them to test all teachings against God’s truth. These instructions provided the early church—and believers today—with guidance on how to remain steadfast in a world filled with conflicting philosophies. John’s exhortations to live in the light and demonstrate God’s love continue to provide a powerful message about authentic Christian living.