What does 1 John 1:3 mean?

Explanation

1 John 1:3 presents a declaration by the author about the apostolic experience of Jesus Christ.

The phrase "That which we have seen and heard" emphasizes the tangible and firsthand experiences of the apostles who had witnessed the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

By proclaiming what they have witnessed, the author extends an invitation to the readers, expressing a desire that they "may have fellowship with us." This fellowship is not only among the believers but also with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

It implies a relationship built on shared belief and the experience of the divine, strengthening the community's unity through its connection to the divine.

Historical Context

The First Epistle of John is traditionally believed to have been written by John the Apostle, although some scholars ascribe it to a later author in the Johannine community.

The epistle is thought to have been composed toward the end of the first century, between 90 to 110 AD.

At this time, early Christian communities faced internal conflicts and external challenges, including heresy and persecution.

False teachings and divergent understandings of Jesus' nature were prominent issues that needed addressing.

This verse, in particular, stands in opposition to Gnostic beliefs that denied Jesus' physical incarnation.

Theological Insights

From a Trinitarian Christian perspective, this verse reinforces the concept of communion with the Triune God , the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit , by emphasizing the fellowship with the Father and the Son.

The verse suggests that apostolic testimony is foundational for the Christian faith, and therefore, the communal aspect of faith is crucial.

For non-Trinitarian branches of Christianity, the focus might be more on the unity of believers and the validation of the apostles' testimony, rather than on the theological implications of fellowship with the divine.

Practical Applications

The practical application of 1 John 1:3 involves embracing a community centered around shared beliefs and experiences.

Believers are encouraged to seek and maintain fellowship with one another, rooted in the shared truth of the apostolic witness.

This fellowship is meant to mirror the relationship believers have with God and His Son, thus fostering a supportive, unified, and engaged faith community.

Cross-References

• John 20:27-28 (KJV): "Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing."
• Acts 4:20 (KJV): "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
• 1 Corinthians 1:9 (KJV): "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord."

Language Study

Key words in the original Greek text of this verse include:

• Seen (ἑωράκαμεν): From the Greek verb "ὁράω" meaning "to see." This word conveys the physical act of seeing, implying an eyewitness account.
• Heard (ἀκηκόαμεν): From the Greek verb "ἀκούω," meaning "to hear," suggesting the apostles listened to the teachings of Jesus and His ministry.
• Fellowship (κοινωνίαν): Comes from the Greek "κοινωνία," which can mean "fellowship, communion, or participation," implying a close mutual relationship.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the cultural context of the time, testimonies and oral traditions held significant weight as many teachings, including religious ones, were transmitted orally.

In comparison, many ancient religions and mythologies emphasized the role of witnesses and testimonies of interactions with the divine or supernatural.

In Greco-Roman mythology, for example, demigods and heroes had narratives established through eyewitness stories.

The communal aspect of faith in this verse, however, is distinct in that it is anchored not just in shared beliefs, but in the shared experience of the divine in a historical person, Jesus Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the verse doesn't make any claims that can be tested or evaluated in the context of modern science.

However, it does touch on the human faculties of seeing and hearing, which are subjects of scientific inquiry in terms of how humans perceive and process information.

The psychological and sociological aspects of forming communities and shared beliefs are areas where science can offer insights into the functions of fellowship and communal belief systems.

Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the apostles' declaration of their experience with Jesus Christ is essential to establish the credibility of their message and to invite others into the Christian faith.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary notes that the proclamation of eyewitness testimony by the apostles serves to combat false teachings by establishing the truths of the incarnation and the reality of Jesus's life and ministry.
• The New International Commentary on the New Testament (NICNT) states that the fellowship mentioned is not only among believers but with God the Father and Jesus Christ, thus the proclamation leads to a deeper relationship with the divine.