Chap. 1:1-4
The apostle John was preserved to minister to the children of God after the other apostles had finished their labors, and when feebleness became more and more apparent in the churches, and enemies without and within increased— “many anti-Christs,” “many deceivers,” and “many false prophets.” To meet this state of things the Holy Spirit brought forth more prominently the truth of “life” — “eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began” (Titus 1:22In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:2)). It was in His mind from all eternity, and, in His grace He would, by this aged apostle, set it more fully in the minds of His children. The word “life” (ζωή) occurs in his Gospel thirty-six times and in the Epistle thirteen times: while in Matthew it is found seven times, in Mark four times, and in Luke six times.
The expressed object of writing this Epistle to us is, “that ye may know that ye have eternal life, unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God” (chap. 5:13, R.V.); and, that possessing it, we may be in the enjoyment of its holy and blessed fellowship, realize its divine affections, and display here on earth, whatever the state of the church, its moral excellencies; looking forward to the perfection of all in heavenly glory. In a word it is “that our joy may be full.”
We may observe an arrangement of parts in it, so perfect that every device of the enemy to darken the Christian's path is frustrated. After the first four verses we have “a message” to be kept in mind at all times (ver. 5). How can we, conscious of proneness to evil, and of failure, stand in the presence of, and walk with, so holy a God? This occupies the first part, 1:5 to 2:2. Then, with connecting verses, we are in company with the whole family of God—2:12 to 28; and it is not difficult to find one's place among them, and the truth suited to us. In chap. 3 the world is in view, its moral state is exposed, and the contrast between the children of God and the children of the wicked one is forcibly drawn. In chap. 4:1-6, spiritual dangers are set forth. Many false prophets are at work, and we must “try the spirits” and “take heed what we hear.” Finally, in chap. 5 the important question of brotherly love is taken up, and receives important elucidation. The remaining verses certify to those who believe on the Name of the Son of God the fullness of their blessing, and the whole ends with the thrice repeated words, we know “; and “children, keep yourselves from idols,” a needed warning.
The writer of this inspired Epistle has not given his name, but scarcely any one questions that the author is John, the son of Zebedee. The fourth Gospel was also written by him, but no name is either prefixed or added: he hides himself under the happy description— “that disciple whom Jesus loved.”
In this Epistle, or Address, he enters at once on his theme, “the eternal life;” that which he had heard, and seen with his eyes, had contemplated, and his hands had handled (ver. 1). He is absorbed with what he had witnessed of the perfections of Him who had suffered him to recline on His bosom, “God manifested in the flesh.” Every inlet of his soul is engaged in receiving more and more of Him, Who, under the guidance of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, was his life-study, the spring of his fellowship, his service, everything; and his heart was filled to overflowing in the enjoyment of His love. He intimates in ver. 4 that his joy was full, and unselfishly longs that the joy of others should be so too.
What an answer to the infidel, who represents Christianity as a system of incomprehensible abstractions for the mind to work upon, and embittering many a spirit with endless controversies: and to the mere philanthropist, who gives it a cold welcome as an aid in the service of humanity, and useful as an auxiliary in the conflict with vice. Not so with this beloved apostle. The knowledge of “eternal life” he gained by beholding its excellencies and perfections in a Person, and that person Jesus Christ. “He is the true God and eternal life.” Are we surprised that John hides himself, and is nameless? How could it be otherwise in the presence of Him— “the eternal life who was with the Father and was manifested to us” (ver. 2). He is declaring Him, and Him only. And his object in writing is, that we may have fellowship with him, even with him who was one of the first disciples of the Lord, was with Him on the holy mount, stood by His cross, entered into His tomb, beheld His hands and His side in resurrection, saw Him taken up into heaven, and received the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Who brought all Jesus had said to his remembrance. “Fellowship!”
What a profound meaning the word had for him, as he added, “yea (or truly) with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ” (ver. 3). It was his own experience, and he longed that others should share in it. This longing was a mighty incentive to apostolic work (see the first mention of the word “fellowship” in Acts 2:4242And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)). Every convert was their care, who ever had been used in their conversion (Acts 11:22-2622Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (Acts 11:22‑26), Col. 2:11For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (Colossians 2:1)). They were not cruel, like the ostrich, “who leaveth her eggs in the earth,... and forgetteth that the foot may crush them” (Job 39:1414Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust, (Job 39:14), Lam. 4:33Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. (Lamentations 4:3)). John wrote to all believers. Our souls need time to dwell, by the Spirit, on the exalted character of the fellow ship here presented, its unreserved fullness of blessing, going back in memory to when we were without God. Did we then think of this fellowship? Did we connect fullness of joy with it?
Did the younger son, even when he came to himself, anticipate what awaited him, the love of his father, the time of rejoicing, and, (marvelous to say it) of mutual gladness of heart? Shame on us if, when brought to God at the cost of the sufferings of His Son, we ever allow anything to hinder a life of communion with Him. Have we really tasted its joy? It was when the father was on the neck of the prodigal, and kissing him, that he said, “Father, I have sinned.” The sense of the past did not hinder the joy of the present. It deepened it. He was not worthy, but he, nevertheless, had such a father. So in the case of Paul.
It was at the moment of intensest realization of the rebelliousness of his heart and ways in the past, that, he, the chief of sinners, burst forth in that grand doxology, “Now unto the king eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, he honor and glory forever and ever, Amen” (1 Tim. 1:15-1715This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:15‑17)).
( To be continued, D.V.)