1 John
The Orthodox perspective on the First Epistle of John emphasizes its connection to the Gospel of John, focusing on the divinity of Christ, the importance of love and fellowship, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to truth. The epistle serves to affirm the Incarnation and refute false teachings, particularly those denying that Jesus came in the flesh. Orthodox theology views salvation as a synergy between God's initiative and the human free will, which is essential for a life of righteousness and love.
The Incarnation: The epistle strongly affirms that Jesus is the Son of God who came in the flesh, directly countering heresies like Docetism, which claimed Jesus only appeared to be human. The formula "one incarnate Word of God" has its basis on this revelation.
Fellowship with God: By believing in Christ and walking in His light, believers have fellowship with God and one another, receive forgiveness of sins, and have the Holy Spirit as a guide.
Love for one another: The epistle teaches that true love is not just an emotion but is demonstrated through action, reflecting the love of God revealed in Christ. This love includes the willingness to sacrifice for others.
Righteous living: Orthodox teaching understands that through the "seed" of God that remains in the believer, it is possible not to sin. Living in the light of Christ means doing righteousness and obeying God's commandments, especially love.
Distinguishing spirits: Believers are encouraged to test the spirits to distinguish between those who come from God and those who do not, with a key test being the confession that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.
** Synergy:** Salvation is a process of cooperation between God and humanity. While God takes the initiative, a free and positive human response of faith, repentance, and love is necessary. This is a lifelong task, not an event.
Title - Thesis | Scroll | Short Description | Synthesis 2nd Temple | Antithesis | Synthesis Apostolic | Synthesis Amoraim | Continent Origin | Southern Worldview | Northern Worldview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 John | Scroll 106 | Incarnation & Synergy | First Epistle of John | Α΄ Ιωάννη | Didactic | NA | Asia | General Epistle | Catholic Epistle |
Category Reference Guide
Title/Thesis - The name of the book in American English
Synthesis 2nd Temple - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from 2nd temple Judaism up to the 1st century
Antithesis - The name of the book in another language
Synthesis Apostolic - The identity of the book in order of its presentation according to Tradition in the church after the 3rd century
Synthesis Amoraim - The name of the book in order of its presentation other than the Apostles, ranging from Tannaim up to the 5th century
Continent Origin - Continent from where the Text Type Source comes from
Southern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. South means Africa or Egypt (Alexandrian) such as LXX. South of Palestine.
Northern Worldview - Catalog strategy for storing the scrolls include the interpretation. North means Asia or Persia (Babylonian) such as Masoretic. North of Palestine.
Here are additional resources for those who want to continue learning and exploring:
Link to some reference to ten homilies on the first epistle of St John