What
was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes,
what we looked upon and touched with our hands concerns the Word of life— 2 for the life was made visible; we have seen it and testify to it and
proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was made visible
to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim now
to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; for our fellowship is with
the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing this so that our joy may be
complete.
The preexistent Word who was with God the Father at creation is the life and light of the world (John 1:1.4). The Word became incarnate by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1:35) and was heard, seen, looked at and touched by the disciples so their testimony is true (Jn. 1:14). The author reaffirmed the dual nature of Jesus Christ, similar to the evangelist John’s description of the Logos (Jn. 1:1). God is physically present in the community in Jesus Christ (God made man), “The Father and I are one (Jn. 10:30).” In the OT, the presence of God was carried by the Hebrews in the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:8). The disciples were witnesses to the physical presence of the light who himself said, “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die (Jn. 11:25-26).” The author was writing to the community to announce the Good News in order that they could have fellowship with Jesus and with each other (v. 3) and become followers of Jesus. They could then walk in the light of Christ, avoid evil works, and thereby enter into salvation (1 Jn. 1:6-7). Writing to them about the Good News completed his joy. He mirrored Jesus’ words (v. 5); “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete (Jn. 15:11).” The author concluded, “I write these things to you so that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God (1 Jn. 5:13).”
Almighty God, who from the dawn of creation knew our whole life stories, through grace you reveal yourself in our hearts and minds and invite us to fellowship with you and each other that we may lead each other to salvation. Grant us the wisdom to walk in your light and be brought to everlasting life. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Expanded Edition, Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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