with Christ. His frequent references to his readers as “children” and “little children” reflect the pastoral tone of the letter. As one who was at least probably an octogenarian himself, John could tenderly refer to all in the churches, young and old, as “children.” Fourth, John had a personal purpose for writing: “so that our joy may be complete” (1:4).2 Verses 1–4 of chapter 1 constitute the prologue to the letter. Its unusual structure can be confusing. What exactly is John trying to say here?