1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1:1-4

[1] That which  from  the beginning,  which  we have heard,  which  we have seen  eyes,  which  we have looked upon,  and  hands  have handled,  of  the Word  of life;  [2] (For  the life  was manifested,  and  we have seen  it, and  bear witness,  and  shew  that eternal  life,  which  with  the Father,  and  was manifested  [3] That which  we have seen  and  heard  declare we  that  also  may have  fellowship  with  and  truly our  fellowship  is with  the Father,  and  with  his  Son  Jesus  Christ.  [4] And  write we  that  joy  full. 

What does 1 John 1:1-4 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

"This writing begins without any of the formal features characteristic of a letter, such as we found in2John and3John. Since the conclusion also lacks any typical features of a letter, we must conclude that the writing is not so much a letter as a written sermon or address." [1]
John began this epistle by explaining to his audience why he wrote. He said he wrote so his readers would enjoy the fellowship with God that is possible only to those who have seen Him. This fellowship, he explained, rests on the reality of Jesus Christ"s incarnation, and it results in full joy for those who experience it.
"No writer in the New Testament holds with greater intensity the full reality of the incarnation." [2]