This little letter, tucked into the back of the New Testament and followed by 2 and 3 John, was more than likely written by John, the Apostle (an eyewitness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus)—his authorship attested unanimously by the early church fathers. After the destruction of the Temple and fall of Jerusalem to the Romans in 70AD, John more than likely fled to Ephesus, a highly influential, wealthy, port city in the Roman province of Asia, renowned for its Temple of Artemis (Diana). This letter was probably written while there and intended to be read by the church in Ephesus and perhaps also by other churches in the surrounding cities.
Series: Series Overview Documents
Date: 1-9-2011
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That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.