1 John 1:1-3 is about the eyewitness testimony of the apostles regarding the life, teachings, and divinity of Jesus Christ as the Word of Life, inviting believers into fellowship with one another and with God.
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—
2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us—
3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Setting the Scene for 1 John 1:1-3
In the scene described in 1 John 1:1-3, we find the apostle John, a close companion of Jesus, recounting his personal experience with the Son of God. John is surrounded by a small group of believers gathered in a dimly lit room, possibly a house church in the city of Ephesus. The flickering light of oil lamps casts a warm glow on the faces of those present, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and reverence.
Among those listening attentively to John’s words are fellow disciples who have also walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry. They have come together to hear John’s eyewitness account of Jesus, to strengthen their faith, and to deepen their understanding of the gospel message. As John speaks, his voice carries the weight of authority and wisdom, drawing his audience into the profound mysteries of the faith.
The room is filled with a sense of anticipation and awe as John declares, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life” (1 John 1:1). The words hang in the air, resonating deeply with the hearts of those present, as they are reminded of the tangible reality of Jesus Christ and the transformative power of His presence in their lives.
What is 1 John 1:1-3 about?
The apostles in this verse emphasize the importance of bearing witness to the reality of Jesus Christ as the Word of Life. They are proclaiming with certainty and conviction that Jesus is the embodiment of truth, love, and salvation. They underscore the profound impact of his teachings, miracles, and ultimately, his sacrifice for humanity by testifying to his reality.
Have you ever thought about the weight of the apostles’ testimony and how it continues to resonate through time? This verse challenges us to reflect on the significance of our own belief in Jesus as the Word of Life and how we can bear witness to his truth in our own lives. It prompts us to consider how we can be living testimonies of his love, mercy, and grace to those around us. We are ultimately invited to delve deeper into our faith and ponder how we can authentically witness to the reality of Jesus Christ as the Word of Life through our words, actions, and relationships. It serves as a reminder of the enduring power of his presence in our lives and the profound impact he can have when we embrace and share his message of hope and redemption with others.
Understanding what 1 John 1:1-3 really means
Structure for Commentary:
- Introduction to the Passage
- Historical and Literary Context
- Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases
- Cross-References with Other Biblical Texts
- Relevance for Contemporary Readers
- Anecdotal Illustration
- Encouragement for Further Reflection
Commentary:
1. Introduction to the Passage:
The opening verses of 1 John are a profound declaration of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. These lines set the tone for the entire epistle by emphasizing the tangible reality of the Word of Life. They form a bridge between the divine and human, inviting readers to deepen their understanding of Jesus’s nature and mission.
2. Historical and Literary Context:
1 John was likely written towards the end of the first century, addressing early Christian communities facing theological confusion and moral challenges. The author, traditionally identified as the Apostle John, seeks to reaffirm the foundational truths of the faith and counter false teachings, particularly those denying the incarnation.
3. Detailed Analysis of Key Phrases:
The passage begins with “That which was from the beginning,” immediately reminding readers of the eternal nature of Jesus, echoing both Genesis 1:1 and John 1:1. The phrase “which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched” emphasizes the apostles’ firsthand experience with Jesus, stressing the physical reality of His presence. Lastly, “the Word of life” encapsulates Jesus’s role as the divine Logos, bringing both revelation and salvation.
4. Cross-References with Other Biblical Texts:
This passage parallels John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,” underscoring the incarnation. Additionally, it resonates with Luke 24:39, where the resurrected Jesus invites His disciples to touch Him, affirming His physical resurrection. These references reinforce the tangible, experiential nature of the Christian faith.
**5. The tangible, historical reality of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection offers a grounding truth in today’s world, where abstract ideas and virtual realities often dominate. This passage invites us to engage with our faith not just intellectually but experientially, through the community, sacraments, and acts of service.
**6. A man named Thomas struggled with faith during a difficult season of loss. Attending a church service, he heard this passage and was struck by the apostles’ vivid, personal testimony. He realized that faith was not about abstract beliefs but about a relationship with a real, living person. This understanding transformed his approach to faith, leading him to seek a deeper, more personal connection with Jesus.
**7. Let’s ask ourselves as we ponder these verses: How do we experience the reality of Jesus in our daily lives? Are we engaging with our faith in a way that is both intellectual and experiential? Let these questions guide us into a deeper, more tangible relationship with the Word of Life, who invites us into fellowship and joy.
What evidence do we have of experiencing God’s presence?
The meaning of this verse suggests that the evidence of experiencing God’s presence comes from seeing, hearing, and touching Him. It emphasizes a tangible connection with God, where individuals have personally encountered Him in a real and concrete way. This intimate experience with God is described as something that can be witnessed and shared with others, indicating a deep and profound relationship with Him.
Furthermore, the verse conveys the idea that encountering God’s presence brings about a sense of true joy and fulfillment. It highlights the genuine happiness and satisfaction that come from being in God’s presence and walking closely with Him. This evidence of experiencing God is depicted as a source of great joy and gladness that surpasses any other temporal pleasure or happiness. The verse in 1 John points to the tangible and experiential nature of encountering God’s presence overall. It underscores the reality of this encounter and the deep impact it has on individuals, leading to a life filled with joy, fulfillment, and a sense of connection with the divine.
Application
Imagine your life as a lighthouse in a stormy sea. You’ve been given the truth, a beacon of hope, and it’s time to let it shine. Share your light with those around you; let your actions be the guiding stars through the darkness. Your family, your colleagues, and your friends need to see that light in your every action. Will you take up the challenge to live out and share this life-saving message every single day?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.