1 John 1:1
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—
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John isn't just talking about a theological concept; he's grounding the "word of life" in concrete, sensory experience. The repeated emphasis on hearing, seeing, looking, and touching shows that Jesus wasn't some ethereal ghost, but a fully present, tangible reality that these witnesses encountered firsthand.
John is kicking off his letter by testifying to the reality and trustworthiness of Jesus Christ. He's emphasizing that he and the other apostles didn't just hear about Jesus; they personally encountered Him, saw Him, and even touched Him. This personal experience is the foundation for everything he's about to write, assuring his readers that his message about eternal life through Jesus is grounded in solid, observable truth.
In a world filled with opinions and theories, John anchors his message in something undeniably real. What does it mean for the 'word of life' to be something you can see and touch?
John starts his letter with a bold declaration: the message he's sharing isn't a myth or a philosophy. It’s rooted in direct, sensory experience.
The Apostles' Testimony
This isn't about abstract theology; it's about encountering the living, breathing Son of God.
John calls the message 'concerning the word of life.' But who, or what, is this 'word' that has the power to give life?
The phrase 'the word of life' is a profound title for Jesus Christ. It’s not just a message about life; the 'word' is life itself, embodied in Jesus.
Jesus: The Source of Life
Understand the original words
archēs · Greek Noun
A term often used in Scripture to denote the origin point of creation, divine existence, or a specific historical redemptive event. It emphasizes that which precedes all temporal realities.
logos · Greek Noun
Refers to the pre-existent Divine Person who is the expression of God's nature and will. In the New Testament, this is identified as the incarnate Christ who reveals the Father.
zōēs · Greek Noun
Life refers to both physical existence and the spiritual, eternal reality found only in God. It is the core quality of God's essence and the gift bestowed upon believers.
John is writing decades after Jesus's earthly ministry, aiming to solidify the eyewitness testimony of Christ against emerging false teachings that distorted who Jesus truly was.
c. 4 BC - c. AD 30/33— this verse
Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ, the 'word of life,' lives, teaches, performs miracles, is crucified, and resurrected. His ministry is the central event that the Apostle John and other witnesses experienced.
c. AD 30 - c. AD 60
Early Spread of Christianity
The apostles, including John, spread the message of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection throughout the Roman Empire. The early church forms and grows.
c. AD 60s
Gospel of John Written
The Apostle John, likely in Ephesus, writes his Gospel, aiming to convince readers that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. This Gospel echoes many themes in 1 John.
c. AD 90-100
First John Written
John writes his first epistle, likely from Ephesus, to combat early Gnostic-like teachings that denied Jesus's physical humanity and atonement. He emphasizes fellowship with God through Christ.
This passage directly parallels the beginning of John's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus as the eternal Word who was with God and was God, and through whom all things were made. It reinforces the idea of Jesus' pre-existence and divine nature that John the apostle is testifying to.
Luke 24:39Jesus shows His disciples His hands and feet after His resurrection, inviting them to touch Him to prove He is not a ghost. This echoes 1 John 1:1's emphasis on tangible, physical experience with Jesus, highlighting His bodily resurrection.
Acts 4:20Peter and John declare that they cannot stop speaking about what they have seen and heard, directly referencing their eyewitness testimony of Jesus' miracles and resurrection. This shows the deep conviction of the apostles to share their firsthand experience of Christ.
Colossians 1:15-17This passage describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together. It expands on the concept of Jesus as the 'word of life' being the agent and sustainer of all existence.
John isn't just talking about a theological concept; he's grounding the "word of life" in concrete, sensory experience. The repeated emphasis on hearing, seeing, looking, and touching shows that Jesus wasn't some ethereal ghost, but a fully present, tangible reality that these witnesses encountered firsthand.
John is kicking off his letter by testifying to the reality and trustworthiness of Jesus Christ. He's emphasizing that he and the other apostles didn't just hear about Jesus; they personally encountered Him, saw Him, and even touched Him. This personal experience is the foundation for everything he's about to write, assuring his readers that his message about eternal life through Jesus is grounded in solid, observable truth.
John is kicking off his letter by testifying to the reality and trustworthiness of Jesus Christ. He's emphasizing that he and the other apostles didn't just hear Jesus; they personally encountered Him, saw Him, and even touched Him. This personal experience is the foundation for everything he's about to write, assuring his readers that his message about eternal life through Jesus is grounded in solid, observable truth.
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This 'word' isn't a static text; it's a dynamic Person who brings life to all who believe.
"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—" — John isn't just talking about a theological concept; he's grounding the "word of life" in concrete, sensory experience. The repeated emphasis on hearing, seeing, looking, and touching shows that Jesu…
