1 John 1:1-4
John opens by testifying as an eyewitness to the incarnate Word of life so that His readers may share true fellowship with the Father and the Son and experience a joy brought to fullness in Christ.
1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life
2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us);
3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.
John opens by testifying as an eyewitness to the incarnate Word of life so that his readers may share true fellowship with the Father and the Son and experience a joy brought to fullness in Christ.
To ground the readers’ faith and fellowship in the concrete historical revelation of the Son of God, as proclaimed by apostolic witnesses, and to invite them into that same shared life and joy.
The Word of Life, Fellowship with God, and Walking in the Light
True fellowship with God rests on the apostolic witness to the incarnate Son and is evidenced by walking in the light, confessing sin, and trusting the cleansing blood of Jesus.