1 John
The line 'God is love' (4:8) is one of the heaviest theological claims anyone has ever written down, and it's shaped Christian theology, philosophy, and ethics ever since.
Read this if you…
- want a short meditative read where "God is love" is the whole point
- curious about the proto-Gnostic heresy the early church was already fighting
- like epistles that read more like sermons than letters
Skip this if you…
- don't want to read explicitly religious/Christian texts
Why It Matters
The line 'God is love' (4:8) is one of the heaviest theological claims anyone has ever written down, and it's shaped Christian theology, philosophy, and ethics ever since. The letter's test for real faith is simple: do you love other people. That's still about the most practical measure of spiritual life going.
Depicted in Art
John stands at the front holding an open New Testament, reading the opening verses of his Gospel; Peter looks over his shoulder holding the golden key.
Albrecht Dürer, 1526
John, three-quarter length in a green tunic and red cloak, looks upward with quill poised over an open book in his lap; the eagle attribute beside him.
Pompeo Batoni, 1742
John in three-quarter profile, looking upward in inspiration, writing in an open book with a quill; an eagle visible at his elbow.
Frans Hals, 1625
John, seated and twisting upward in Laocoön-like contrapposto, gazes toward heaven with a quill in hand and an open codex beside him, the eagle at his feet.
Domenichino, 1628
Recommended Editions
King James Version
Cambridge University Press · 1611
The most influential and commonly quoted translation in English. The prose rhythm everyone else is responding to, even modern translations.
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Deep Dive
What It's About
This summary gives away plot details.
Notable Quotes
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.”
More by John
- 2 John
c. 90 · Epistle
- 3 John
c. 90 · Epistle
- Revelation
c. 95 · Apocalyptic