This book of 1 John summary by Chapter offers a quick glance through the book in the Bible
Now, let us turn our hearts to the First Epistle of John. Through this letter, John passionately shares about the fellowship with God, walking in the light, and the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. He also warned against following false teaching that would destroy this fellowship with God.
(Read Also: The book of 2 Peter summary by chapter)
Let’s head straight to the summary of each chapter!
Table of Contents
The Book of 1 John Summary by Chapter
Chapter 1 – The Word of Life and Walking in the Light
John opens by affirming the reality of Jesus Christ, the Word of Life, whom they have seen, heard, and touched. He speaks about the fellowship with God and with one another through Jesus.
John writes that God is light and in Him, there is no darkness. He urges the believers to walk in the light, confessing their sins, as God is faithful to forgive and cleanse them from all unrighteousness.
Chapter 2 – Keeping God’s Commandments and Love One Another
John speaks about Jesus being the atoning sacrifice for sins. He asserts that knowing God is keeping His commandments and those who say they know Him but don’t keep His commandments are liars.
He encourages believers not to love the world or the things in the world, for the world is passing away. John warns them about antichrists who deny that Jesus is the Christ and encourages them to abide in Him.
Chapter 3 – Children of God and Love in Action
In chapter three, John exclaims the great love the Father has bestowed upon believers, calling them children of God. He contrasts the sinfulness of the world with the purity of Christ.
He calls believers to not merely love in words or speech but in action and truth. John highlights that we can have confidence before God if our hearts do not condemn us and if we obey His commandments.
Chapter 4 – Testing the Spirits and God is Love
John urges believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world. He emphasizes that God’s Spirit acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.
John writes extensively on love, affirming that God is love and whoever lives in love lives in God. He stresses that since God loved us, we also ought to love one another.
Chapter 5 – Faith in the Son of God and Assurance of Eternal Life
In the last chapter, John affirms that everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. He speaks about the testimony of God concerning His Son, and that whoever has the Son has life.
He concludes by encouraging believers to keep themselves from idols and highlighting the assurance they have in the Son of God.
Beloved, let the words of John’s epistle richly dwell within us. As children of God, may we walk in the light, keep His commandments, and let our hearts be woven with the unending fabric of God’s love. Let us keep the faith, knowing that in Christ, we have eternal life.
The Summary of the Book of 1 John in a Different Way
Dear friends, let me share a beautiful letter with you. It’s from a wise old man named John who really wanted to tell his friends about the awesome bond they can have with God. Imagine having a best friend who is always there for you, doesn’t get mad, and loves you like crazy. Well, John says that’s what it’s like with God! And there’s this superstar named Jesus, who makes sure this bond stays strong.
John keeps reminding everyone, “Guys, let’s be honest and good!” He says it’s like walking in a bright, happy place where you can see everything clearly. If you trip and fall, don’t worry! Just say “Oops! My bad!” and Jesus helps you right back up. Imagine a big brother who doesn’t laugh when you fall but gives you a hand and a high-five.
Now, John gets serious and says if you’re on Team God, you gotta play by the rules. He’s like that coach who wants his team to win but knows that teamwork and playing fair are super important. He also warns everyone about some sneaky players who try to trick them into breaking the rules. He’s like, “Stay close to your big brother Jesus, and you won’t get fooled by their tricks!”
Next, John talks a lot about love. Picture the biggest, warmest hug you ever got. That’s how much God loves everyone. John says if you have that much love in your heart, you’re gonna want to share it with everyone else – just like sharing your favorite snacks with your friends. And because God’s love is like an endless bag of snacks, there’s plenty to go around!
Wrapping it up, John says believing in Jesus is like having a VIP pass to the most amazing place ever – and it lasts forever! He reminds everyone to stick to what they know is true and not get distracted by shiny but worthless stuff. It’s like choosing to stay at the coolest party with your best friends, instead of leaving for a flashy but boring event. So, with hearts full of love, honesty, and high-fives from our big brother Jesus, let’s rock this awesome life together!
(Read Also: The book of 2 John summary by chapter)
May your hearts be encouraged and your steps be steady as we take to heart the wisdom found in the Book of 1 John.
I encourage you to read the whole text of the book of 1 John yourself using your most preferred version of the Bible.
God’s grace!