What does 1 John 5:21 mean?

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 1 John 5:21

Explanation

1 John 5:21, the final verse of the First Epistle of John, serves as a concluding exhortation to the recipients of the letter. The Apostle John affectionately refers to the members of the early Christian communities as “little children,” a term indicative of his pastoral care for them. He admonishes them to “keep yourselves from idols,” which can be understood both literally and metaphorically.

Literally, the verse warns against the worship of physical idols—sculpted images or representations of gods common in the Greco-Roman culture of the time. Metaphorically, the term “idols” symbolizes anything that might take the place of God in the hearts and lives of believers, including possessions, power, or even other people. In emphasizing this, the Apostle seeks to ensure the devotion and worship of the early Christians remain solely directed toward the one true God as revealed in Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is traditionally believed to have been written between 85 and 95 AD, a time when the early Christian church was facing internal conflicts and the increased allure of false teachings, such as Gnosticism. The social and religious climate of the time was infused with a variety of religious practices, most of which involved some form of idol worship.

Ephesus, which is considered one of the possible locations where John might have written the epistle, was particularly known for the Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and a site for idol worship. Therefore, the warning against idolatry would have been particularly pertinent for Christians living in or near such cities.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, the verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the exclusivity of Christian worship. Different theological viewpoints might emphasize the following aspects:

• Traditional Christian Theology: It interprets the verse as a reiteration of the First Commandment, where God demands exclusive worship and prohibits idolatry.
• Liberation Theology: It might understand “idols” as symbols of oppressive systems and structures that must be resisted.
• Evangelical Theology: This perspective often stresses personal piety and the avoidance of modern-day “idols” like materialism or secularism.

Practical Applications

This verse invites believers to engage in self-reflection and identify the “idols” in their lives. On a practical level, this might mean prioritizing time with God through prayer and scripture study over other activities or re-evaluating the use of resources to ensure they do not overshadow spiritual commitments.

Additionally, in the context of Christian community, this call to avoid idols might challenge congregations to examine their practices and ensure that worship is God-focused and not inadvertently centered around traditions or personalities.

Cross-References

• Exodus 20:3-4: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image…”
• Deuteronomy 4:15-19: A warning against idolatry and the making of graven images.
• Isaiah 44:9-20: A passage that ridicules idol worship, emphasizing their uselessness and the folly of idolaters.
• 1 Corinthians 10:14: “Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as “keep” is “φυλάσσετε” (phylassesthe), which carries the sense of guarding or keeping watch over. The term “idols” is translated from the Greek word “εἴδωλα” (eidōla), which refers to false gods or images worshipped as gods.

The use of the imperative “keep” (φυλάσσετε) emphasizes the active role believers must play in guarding themselves against the spiritual dangers of idolatry.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

1 John 5:21 can be contrasted with ancient religious practices where idol worship was widespread. In Roman and Greek religion, idols represented various deities and were central to public and private worship. This Christian admonition distinguishes the faith from other religions by insisting on an unseen God who is worshiped without any physical representation.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific perspectives, modern psychology and sociology might consider the concept of idolatry in terms of human behavior and the things individuals or societies prioritize, which can shape their values and actions. This aligns with the Bible’s broader theme of idolatry as not just a physical action but also a mental and spiritual orientation.

Commentaries

Commentators on 1 John 5:21 generally agree on its primary message to avoid idolatry in all forms. Some expand on the historical prevalence of idol worship in the early Christian era and how this warning would have been crucial. Others focus on the personal application for modern readers, interpreting idols more broadly as anything that can replace or diminish one’s devotion to God. Scholars also note that the brevity and directness of John’s closing charge reflect its importance to the Christian life and faith.