1 John 1:1-4: The Word of Life
1 John 1:1-4 – Meaning and Reflection
The first verses of 1 John serve as a powerful introduction to the letter, establishing key theological themes that resonate throughout the epistle. The apostle John begins by declaring the eternal and tangible reality of Jesus Christ—“the Word of life”—whom he and other believers have encountered personally.
This is not just a theological concept but a living, breathing truth. John’s prologue invites readers into a relationship with Christ, offering fellowship with God the Father, with the Son, and with one another.
This blog post will break down 1 John 1:1-4 verse by verse, offer commentary, and reflect on its significance for the early Christian community and for us today, while also drawing connections to the Gospel of John.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of 1 John 1:1-4 and Commentary
1 John 1:1: "We declare to you . . . From the beginning . . . The Word of Life"
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life—”
In this opening verse, John emphasizes the tangible reality of Christ. He is not merely relaying secondhand information or abstract theological concepts, but speaking from personal experience. The phrase “what was from the beginning” echoes the opening of the Gospel of John, where John states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here, John points to the eternal nature of Jesus, who existed before time began and who entered into human history.
The physicality of Jesus is also significant. John refers to what he “has heard,” “seen with our eyes,” and “touched with our hands,” underscoring the concrete reality of Jesus’ life and ministry. This is an important defense against early heresies like Gnosticism, which downplayed the physical reality of Jesus. For John, the encounter with Christ was not merely spiritual but fully embodied.
By using terms like “heard,” “seen,” and “touched,” John draws attention to the sensory experience of encountering Jesus, which bolsters the truth that Jesus’ life and ministry were real, observable, and participatory events.
1 John 1:2: We declare to you the eternal life
“This life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us—”
John moves from the physical experience of Christ to the revelation of divine truth. The “life” he refers to is not just biological existence, but the eternal life that Jesus offers. The term “revealed” is key; it indicates that the life of Jesus, and the salvation he brings, is not something that can be discovered through human effort but is made known by God.
John stresses that this eternal life was with the Father before it was revealed to humanity in Christ. The pre-existence of Jesus with God aligns with the opening of the Gospel of John, where it is said, “In the beginning was the Word… and the Word was with God” (John 1:1). This points to the divine nature of Jesus and his eternal role within the Trinity.
By declaring that the eternal life was “revealed to us,” John asserts that the knowledge of God’s salvation is now accessible through Christ. The message of eternal life is not hidden but has been made known to those who have encountered Jesus.
John’s assertion in his gospel that believers are “born not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13) underscores a foundational truth: spiritual life is a divine gift, not a human achievement. This aligns with 1 John’s message that eternal life is revealed through Christ, not discovered through human effort (1 John 1:2).
Just as physical birth is beyond our control, spiritual rebirth is entirely initiated by God’s will and grace. This truth humbles us, reminding us that salvation is not based on heritage, effort, or personal merit, but solely on God’s grace. It also offers profound assurance, as the God who initiates this new life is faithful to sustain and complete it in us, just as Paul said, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)
1 John 1:3: Fellowship with the Father and the Son Jesus Christ
“We declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
John’s declaration of what he has personally witnessed is not an end in itself, but a means to an end—the invitation to fellowship. The Greek word used for fellowship is “koinonia,” which denotes a deep, communal relationship that goes beyond surface-level interaction. John is inviting his readers to share in the same relationship with God the Father and the Son that he and the other apostles have experienced. This fellowship is not merely about association; it’s about being in relationship with the triune God.
John is careful to make clear that the fellowship he offers is grounded in a shared connection with Christ. By emphasizing this fellowship, he underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith, a faith not meant to be lived in isolation but in relationship with others in the body of Christ. John does not see the place for isolated or disconnected Christians.
Moreover, John introduces a key theme of his letter: the interconnectedness of fellowship with Christ and fellowship with one another. Authentic fellowship with God leads to genuine fellowship with the Christian community.
1 John 1:4: So that our joy may be complete
“We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.”
The apostle concludes this prologue with a purpose statement: he writes these things so that his readers might experience complete joy. This joy is not merely emotional happiness, but a profound, spiritual joy rooted in the reality of fellowship with God. The joy that comes from being in relationship with Christ is both personal and communal—it’s a joy that the apostles themselves experience and wish to share with others.
This joy also points to the fullness of life that believers receive in Christ. John writes with the hope that his readers will come to experience the same deep, abiding joy in their relationship with God that he himself knows. This joy, found in fellowship with God and one another, is the natural outgrowth of the life that Jesus offers.
1 John 1:1-4: Meaning for Today
The opening verses of 1 John are rich with theological depth and practical significance for believers today. Let’s reflect on some key takeaways:
1. The Tangible Reality of Christ
John emphasizes that Jesus is not a distant, abstract idea but a real, physical person who lived, taught, and was witnessed by others. This truth challenges us to think about the reality of our own faith. We follow a God who is not far off but who has made himself known in the flesh, through Christ. Our faith is grounded in a personal relationship with a living, tangible Savior.
2. The Invitation to Fellowship
John’s letter is an invitation to enter into a deep, communal relationship with God. Fellowship with God is not just an individual experience; it is shared with others in the body of Christ. This passage challenges us to consider how we engage with the Christian community. Are we living in true fellowship with others, and are we actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God?
3. The Joy of Salvation
John’s writing points to a joy that is deeply rooted in the salvation that Jesus brings. This joy is not dependent on circumstances but is grounded in the eternal reality of being in relationship with God. It’s a joy that transcends the ups and downs of life. For believers today, this joy can be a source of strength, even in the midst of trials, because it is based on the unchanging truth of who Christ is and what He has done for us.
4. The Message of Eternal Life
John reminds us that the life offered by Christ is eternal and accessible to all who believe. This message is as relevant today as it was when John first wrote it. In a world that often offers fleeting pleasures and temporary solutions, the invitation to partake in the eternal life found in Jesus stands as a source of hope and stability.
Conclusion
The prologue of 1 John invites us to engage deeply with the reality of Jesus Christ—his incarnation, his message, and the fellowship He offers. Through these opening verses, John calls us into a community where the joy of salvation is shared and where our relationship with God is at the center of all we do. As we read these words, we are invited to reflect on the profound truth of Christ’s presence in our lives and the eternal fellowship He extends to all who believe. May our joy, too, be made complete as we embrace the life that is revealed in him.
