Walking in the Light and the Problem of Sin

The next two sections of 1 John are on the theme of walking in the light. The first section, 1 John 1:5–2:2, addresses the theme in relation to the issue of sin, while the second section, 1 John 2:3–11, focuses on walking in the light in relation to obedience, especially to the love command. The terms walk, light, and darkness occur throughout the section (1:5–7; 2:6, 8–11) and unify it. The Elder’s opponents are always present in the background. They have made certain claims (e.g., If we claim in 1:6, 8, 10; “The man who says” in 2:4; “Whoever claims” in 2:6; and “Anyone who claims” in 2:9) which the Elder must raise and refute. In 1 John 1:5–2:2 the theological and ethical principles of light and darkness are stated and then worked out in relati…