The Apostle was writing to believers in Christ (2.12-14) negatively influenced by works-oriented unbelievers who outwardly deny Christ (2.15-24) and were teaching the readers to do the same (2.27). He writes to assure the readers (2.21) that access to the Father and eternal life is granted through Christ alone (1.5-2.11), and not by works of the law—as the antagonists suggest (2.12-28).