Definition

Proper noun: * The First Epistle of John: The first of three New Testament letters traditionally attributed to John the Apostle. It is a general epistle focusing on themes of light versus darkness, love, truth, and the nature of Christ.

Usage

• As a title: The term is used as the formal title for this specific book of the Bible. It is often abbreviated as "1 John".
  • The pastor's sermon was based on a passage from the First Epistle of John.
  • For next week's study, please read 1 John, chapter 4.

Advanced Usage

• "the Johannine epistles": This phrase refers collectively to the First, Second, and Third Epistles of John. The First Epistle is the longest and most theological of the three.
  • The theme of love is central to the Johannine epistles, especially the First Epistle of John.

Variants and Related Words

• 1 John (n): The standard and most common abbreviated form of the title.
  • The verse 1 John 4:8 states that "God is love".
• First John (n): A common spoken and written variant of the full title.
• The Johannine Epistles (n, plural): The collective term for the three New Testament letters attributed to John.

Synonyms

• The First Letter of John: An equivalent formal title.
• 1 John: The standard abbreviation.

Related Phrases

• "The prologue of 1 John": Refers to the opening verses (1:1-4) which echo the prologue of the Gospel of John.
  • The prologue of 1 John establishes the authority of the eyewitness testimony about Jesus.
• "The tests of life in 1 John": A theological phrase referring to the criteria (belief in Christ, obedience, love) presented in the letter as evidence of genuine faith.

Noun

1. the first New Testament epistle traditionally attributed to Saint John the Apostle