1 John 1:1-4

1 John 1:1-4. The Introduction

That the first four verses are introductory is generally admitted. They are analogous to the first eighteen verses of the Gospel and to the first three verses of the Revelation. Like the Prologue to the Gospel, this Introduction tells us that what the Apostle purposes to write about is the Word who is the Life. At the same time it states the authority with which he writes, an authority derived from the irrefragable evidence of the closest personal experience: and it states also the purpose of the letter, to complete their joy in the Lord.

1 4. The construction is somewhat involved and prolonged. Such complicated sentences are not common in S. John: but we have similar sentences, extending over three verses, John 6:22-24; John 13:2-4. Various ways of connecting the clauses have been suggested, making -is" understood, or -handled", the main verb, thus; -That which was from the beginning isthat which we have heard", or -That which was from the beginning, which &c., our hands also touched". But beyond all reasonable doubt -we declare" is the main verb, and, -that which" in each case introduces the thing declared. 1 John 1:2 is a parenthesis, and then part of 1 John 1:1 is repeated for emphasis and clearness. The complication is due to the crowding of profound thoughts which almost strangle the Apostle's simple command of language.

"S. John throughout this section uses the plural as speaking in the name of the apostolic body of which he was the last surviving representative" (Westcott).