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John had been close to Jesus. He had thought, for a long time, that Jesus had promised John would never suffer mortal death. But God keeps all of his promises. In some ways, John died at least twice. Killed by Romans who wanted to silence his cult, John survived and died later, possibly of old age. He wrote this letter in Ephesus probably around the year 98.
John and Peter, of all the disciples had a special relationship with Jesus. Jesus even allowed them time to commune with Abraham and Moses. John writes in a particular style that is also evident in his letters and in Revelations. Earlier, John had written that Jesus was the Word made flesh. That flesh was sacrificed by God, as a gift to those whom God loved, so that God could abide them Because eternal life is close proximity to God. And to perish is to be utterly riven from God.
Pastoral care is a strong part of any community. Clearly this Christian community had issues and cliques had formed. So John needed to remind them of what love meant.
This part of the epistle of John from Ephesus is on fellowship with Him and one another. Sin is rejection of God, and only by embracing God will, according to theology, one find eternal life. And by embracing God, one is purified.
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