Context of First John Written by the Apostle

Context of First John Ø Written by the Apostle John

Context of First John Ø Written by the Apostle John ØJohn was probably in his 80’s

Context of First John Ø Written by the Apostle John ØJohn was probably in his 80’s Ø He was addressing Gnosticism

Gnosticism in First Century Ø Supremacy of knowledge. Ø All physical matter is evil, all spiritual is good. Ø Denied the incarnation. Ø “Enlightened”.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us — 1 John 1: 1 -2

3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 1 John 1: 3 -4

1) Who/what have they heard, seen, looked upon and touched? ‘that which was from the beginning” – Jesus That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands…

2) Who/what have they seen, have they testified to and now proclaim? ‘The life’ – Jesus the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—

3) Why do they proclaim this Jesus? So that others may have fellowship with us. that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us…

4) Why would others want fellowship with us? Because our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.

True biblical fellowship requires that those in fellowship with each other… also be in fellowship with the Father, through the Son and indwelt by the Spirit.

Biblical community requires something to be common… that commonality is Jesus… but not just any Jesus… it must be the Jesus manifested from the Father, as he has been revealed.

We exist to pervade the Back Mountain, the Wyoming Valley and the world with the gospel by making disciples who make disciples and who glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in every phase of our lives.

What does this mean for us? It means that we must be the Jesus that is heard, seen, looked upon and touched by the Back Mountain, the Wyoming Valley and the world.

What does this mean for us? It means that we must be the Jesus that is heard, seen, looked upon and touched by the Back Mountain, the Wyoming Valley and the world. Now, you are the body of Christ… 1 Corinthians 12: 27