Source edition
The New Testament in the original Greek. Westcott, Brooke Foss; Hort, Fenton John Anthony, editors. New York: Harper and Brothers, 1882-1892.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This work is an epistolary text addressed to a Christian community, earnestly encouraging the maintenance of true faith and the practice of mutual love. The author begins by testifying to the "Word of life" that he witnessed, urging believers to confess their sins and walk in the truth to have fellowship with God, who is light. He then warns against the temptations of the world and the "antichrist," exhorting his readers to remain steadfast in Christ. Furthermore, he emphasizes that God's very nature is love (agape), and that those who are children of God must love one another not only in word but also in action. In the latter half, the importance of faith in Jesus as the Son of God who came in the flesh is highlighted. Finally, the letter concludes by assuring believers of their victory over sin and death through this faith, granting them eternal life, and warning them to keep themselves from idols.