How does 1 John 1:1 connect to John 1:1-14 about the Word? Opening Scripture 1 John 1:1 — “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.” Parallel Foundation: “In the Beginning” • John 1:1 — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” • Both writers start at the same place: eternity past. – “From the beginning” (1 John 1:1) highlights eternal existence. – “In the beginning” (John 1:1) anchors the Word before creation, echoing Genesis 1:1. • The Word is not a late addition to God’s plan; He is the Plan. Eternal Personhood of the Word • “The Word was God” (John 1:1) establishes full deity. • “That which was from the beginning… we have heard… seen… touched” (1 John 1:1) confirms real, physical personhood. • Colossians 1:16-17 and Hebrews 1:2-3 reinforce that the same divine Person created and sustains everything. Incarnation: From Abstract to Touchable • John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” • 1 John 1:1 emphasizes the senses—heard, seen, looked upon, touched. – John moves from theology (John’s Gospel) to testimony (John’s letter). – The incarnation isn’t metaphorical; it is historical, tangible reality. • Luke 24:39 and Philippians 2:6-8 parallel this concrete humanity. Life and Light Themes • John 1:4 — “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” • 1 John 1:2 (immediately following) — “the life was revealed.” • The Word imparts: – Life—eternal, indestructible. – Light—spiritual illumination that dispels darkness (cf. 1 John 1:5). Eyewitness Authentication • 1 John gives courtroom-style evidence: “we proclaim what we experienced.” • John 1:6-8 introduces John the Baptist as another witness. • 2 Peter 1:16 supports that apostolic testimony is not “cleverly devised myths.” Purpose of the Connection • Assurance: The same eternal Word John preached is the One we trust. • Fellowship: Union with the Word unites believers (1 John 1:3). • Joy: “So that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4). In short, 1 John 1:1 and John 1:1-14 reveal one seamless truth: the eternal, divine Word stepped into history as Jesus Christ, experienced firsthand by the apostles, bringing life and light to all who believe. |
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