What detailed information could identify the Apostle John as the author of 1 John 2 John and 3 John?

Answer 1

A:Unfortunately there is no known information that would identify the apostle John as the author of the epistles now known as 1 John, 2 John and 3 John. Along with the gospel now known as John's Gospel, they were originally anonymous until attributed to John later in the second century. However, New Testament scholars say that there is no good reason to accept the attribution to John, and that the gospel could not have been written by an eyewitness to the events described.

John's Gospel was written in a community now known as the 'Johannine community' because of the traditional association with the apostle John. 1 John was written shortly after a split in that community.

2 John and 3 John were written, probably also in the first quarter of the second century, by an unknown author who called himself "the Presbyter." The apostle John would hardly have referred to himself as a presbyter or appealed to Gaius as a "co-worker" (3 John 8). Nor is it plausible that Diotrephes, who exercises authority in the church, would flout John's authority, knowing him to be an apostle. Thus the author of these two letters must remain anonymous and be referred to simply as "the Presbyter."

Another Answer:

Though John does not declare himself the writer, scholars generally accept it to be the 'beloved' Apostle John. This is primarily based upon the similarity of the vocabulary and writing style between these Epistles or Letters to the Gospel of John. Many early church fathers, from Ignatius to Polycarp, also identify the Apostle John as being the author of the 3 letters named after John.

In 1 John 1:1-4; 4:14, the author places himself among the eyewitnesses of the ministry of Jesus Christ - as one who literally saw and touched 'the Word of life.' This description surely fits an Apostle and not some 2nd generation church leader, as some have suggested.

1 John 4:14New International Version (NIV)

14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.

The above verse strongly implies the author is an Apostle.