And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Read it in contextThe readers and the world
Start reading at 1 John 2:12 (1 John 2:12 to 1 John 2:17).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The addressed groups are encouraged in their standing, then warned against loving the world and its passing desires.
2:12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.
2:13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
2:14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.
2:15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2:16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
2:17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author, associated with the eyewitness testimony and teaching also found in the Gospel of John. Biblical references: 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 John 1:1–2:29): The writer addresses his Christian readers as children and beloved, explaining fellowship and obedience and warning about those who departed from the community. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Believers in the name of the Son of God, addressed as children and beloved, facing false teaching and a separation within their community. No city is named. Biblical references: 1 John 2:19; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 5:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The readers and the world. Read 1 John 2:12 through 1 John 2:17 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The addressed groups are encouraged in their standing, then warned against loving the world and its passing desires. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing addresses current claims, departures, and conduct among its readers without supplying a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? No city of destination or composition is explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The readers and the world (1 John 2:12 to 1 John 2:17).
Start reading at 1 John 2:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The writing centers on Jesus Christ come in the flesh, His cleansing and advocacy, and abiding in Him. Love and obedience are presented as tests of claimed fellowship. See 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Test claims of fellowship by truth, love, and obedience. Assurance should be read with the letter's calls to abide and its warnings about deception. interpretation
Cited: 1 John 2:12, 1 John 2:17, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author, but claims eyewitness testimony of the Word of life. 1 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle, and the style closely matches the Gospel of John.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 John 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe departure of some and denial concerning Jesus lead to an appeal to remain in the message heard from the beginning and abide in Him.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 John
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe letter tests claims to know God, warns against the world and antichrists, and urges the readers to abide in what they heard.
Connection to the wholeThe community's identity is connected to conduct and love, while competing spiritual claims are tested by their confession concerning Jesus Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects God's initiating love with mutual love, obedient faith, and the testimony God has given concerning His Son.