There have been various conjectures over the years that another disciple of Christ named John may have been responsible for this letter. However, all the evidence points to the author as John the beloved disciple who also wrote the Gospel of John.
Utamaduni kutoka siku za mwanzo za kanisa unasema kwamba mtunzi alikuwa mtume Yohana. Kumekuwa na kudhania kwa miaka kwamba mtume mwingine wa Kristo aitwaye Yohana huenda akawajibika kwa barua hii. Hata hivyo, ushahidi wote unaonyesha mwandishi kama Yohana mwanafunzi mpendwa ambaye pia aliandika Injili ya Yohana.