Chapter Three Theology of the Epistles Introductory Matters I. Introduction to the First Epistle of John As he does in his Gospel (20:31), John informs his readers of his purpose in writing 1 John: ‘I write these things [his ‘these things’ here does not refer just to the immediately preceding two verses, 1 John 5:11–12; the phrase refers to the entire letter] to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life’ (5:13). This carries John’s readers one step
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