Passage

1 John 1:1-4

Why does the letter begin with what was heard, seen, and touched?

Berean Standard Bible

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. 2 And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write these things so that our joy may be complete.

What is the context?

The opening announces life made known through personal encounter, not through a secret idea available only to a few. Those who heard, saw, and touched proclaim what was revealed so that others may share their fellowship.

That fellowship is with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The letter will connect this shared life with truth, holiness, and love. Its purpose is not merely to win an argument about Jesus but to bring hearers into the life and joy found in Him.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley reads the Word of life as the eternal Son revealed in the flesh. The USCCB notes emphasize the witnesses’ encounter with the historical Jesus. These emphases fit together: the life with the Father has been made known in a life people actually encountered.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

John 1:1–18 likewise joins the Word’s life with the Father to His becoming flesh and making God known. This is a close biblical parallel in language and subject. The fellowship offered here rests on God making Himself known through His Son, rather than on human effort to ascend to hidden knowledge.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

The Gospel According to Jesus

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