JOHN FIRST, BOOK OF

John's first epistle is an defense against the "gnostic" doctrine that alleged that Jesus Christ was not a real, flesh-and-blood human being. This sect claimed a special "knowledge" received directly from God. Contrary to this false claim, it is the Christian who can "know" (some thirty-five times, represented by two Greek words) the truth regarding the Lord. The apostle encourages the brethren to refrain from sin (2:1), so that their joy might be made full (1:4). There is much encouragement to love the brethren in this book.