1 John 1:3
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The most profound part here isn't just sharing good news, it's the incredible invitation to share in our fellowship – a fellowship so deep it’s rooted in the very life of God. John isn't just saying, "Here's what we saw and heard," he's saying, "Come join us in this divine connection, which is with the Father and the Son." It's about entering into the shared life of the Trinity itself.
John is writing to assure his readers of the truth of what they've heard about Jesus, emphasizing that he and the other apostles personally experienced Christ. He wants them to know that sharing this truth isn't just about passing on information, but about inviting them into the same life-changing connection with God that the apostles themselves share. This shared life, or fellowship, is the ultimate goal, and it's rooted in their relationship with the Father and the Son.
John and the apostles weren't just sharing rumors; they had firsthand experience with Jesus. What does it mean to 'see and hear' spiritual truth?
From Experience to Proclamation
The Apostle John starts this letter by emphasizing the direct, personal encounter the original apostles had with Jesus. "That which we have seen and heard" isn't about hearsay, but about experiencing Jesus’ life, teachings, miracles, and even His resurrection.
This eyewitness testimony is the bedrock of their proclamation. They aren't speculating; they are testifying to what they personally witnessed. This grounds their message in objective reality, not just subjective feeling.
Why did the apostles share their experiences? It wasn't just to inform, but to invite others into something incredible. What is this 'fellowship' they speak of?
Fellowship: More Than Just Friendship
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John explicitly states the purpose of their proclamation: "so that you too may have fellowship with us." This Greek word often implies a deep, shared life, a partnership, or even a mutual participation.
It's a call to join them in the life they've discovered through Jesus. This isn't just about having friends who believe the same thing; it's about a shared life connected to God Himself.
This 'fellowship' isn't just horizontal between people; it's profoundly vertical. Where does true fellowship ultimately originate?
A Vertical Connection, A Horizontal Result
John clarifies the ultimate source and nature of this fellowship: "and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." The fellowship among believers is a direct result and expression of their fellowship with God.
When we share in the life of the Father and the Son through Jesus, we are naturally brought into a shared life with others who are also connected to Him. This is the deep, abiding communion that the gospel makes possible.
Understand the original words
koinōnian · Greek Noun
An intimate partnership, sharing, or communion. It denotes a relational bond between believers and God, and among believers themselves, based on a shared experience of divine grace.
John is writing late in his life, decades after witnessing Jesus' ministry firsthand. He's sharing his personal testimony to ensure the churches have solid grounding in the truth about Jesus, fostering genuine community rooted in God.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem, and His followers believe He was resurrected three days later, forming the core of the Christian faith.
c. AD 33-60
The Apostles' Early Ministry
The apostles, including John, preach the gospel throughout Judea and surrounding regions, establishing early Christian communities and bearing witness to Christ's life and teachings.
c. AD 60-70
John's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle John likely settles in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor, where he becomes a prominent leader and shepherd to various churches in the region.
c. AD 90-95
Writing of the Gospel of John
John writes his Gospel, recounting Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings, emphasizing Jesus' divine identity and the importance of belief in Him.
c. AD 95— this verse
Writing of 1, 2, and 3 John
In his later years, John writes his epistles from Ephesus to address issues within the churches, such as false teachings and the importance of righteous living and fellowship.
Jesus prays that believers might have eternal life through knowing God and Jesus, directly linking knowledge of God with eternal life, which is the ultimate goal of fellowship.
Acts 2:42This passage describes the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers, showing a practical outworking of the deep fellowship described in 1 John.
Philippians 3:10Paul expresses his deep desire to know Christ and share in his sufferings and resurrection, highlighting the personal and transformative aspect of fellowship with Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:9This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness in calling us into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ, underscoring that this shared life originates from God's initiative.
The most profound part here isn't just sharing good news, it's the incredible invitation to share in our fellowship – a fellowship so deep it’s rooted in the very life of God. John isn't just saying, "Here's what we saw and heard," he's saying, "Come join us in this divine connection, which is with the Father and the Son." It's about entering into the shared life of the Trinity itself.
John is writing to assure his readers of the truth of what they've heard about Jesus, emphasizing that he and the other apostles personally experienced Christ. He wants them to know that sharing this truth isn't just about passing on information, but about inviting them into the same life-changing connection with God that the apostles themselves share. This shared life, or fellowship, is the ultimate goal, and it's rooted in their relationship with the Father and the Son.
John is writing to assure his readers of the truth of what they've heard about Jesus, emphasizing that he and the other apostles personally experienced Christ. He wants them to know that sharing this truth isn't just about passing on information, but about inviting them into the same life-changing connection with God that the apostles themselves share. This shared life, or fellowship, is the ultimate goal, and it's rooted in their relationship with the Father and the Son.
"that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ." — The most profound part here isn't just sharing good news, it's the incredible invitation to share in our fellowship – a fellowship so deep it’s rooted in the very life of God. John isn't just sayin…
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