1 John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we to you, that you also may have fellowship with us… I. THE PREEMINENT SUBJECT OF THE APOSTLE'S INSTRUCTIONS. In the expression, "That which we have seen and heard," he briefly recapitulates that which he had more fully described in the first verse. His subject, then, was Christ, the Word of life. He preached the eternal Word as being absolutely and in Himself the possessor of life. II. THE PURPOSE AND OBJECT WHICH HE HAD IN VIEW WHEN HE THUS DECLARED THE NATURE AND OFFICES OF CHRIST. His desire was that the privilege which he himself enjoyed might be shared by all the people of God. "That which we have seen," etc. 1. St. John was not only an apostle, but a peculiarly distinguished and favoured apostle; yet this exalted office did not induce him to lose sight of that which he was in common with all the other children of God. (1) By declaring Christ he sought to promote a fellowship with himself in judgment. (2) The apostle also desired by his instructions to promote, on the part of those whom he addressed, a fellowship with himself, and with other believers in affection. (3) The apostle moreover desired the fellowship of others with himself in the enjoyment of Christian privileges. 2. But the beloved apostle states the reason for which he desired that others might be joined in fellowship with himself. It was because fellowship with him involved that highest of blessings — fellowship with God. (1) It implies a reciprocity of mutual affection and love. (2) This sacred and mysterious fellowship comprehends also a reciprocity of mutual interests. (3) The fellowship of believers with the Father and the Son consists, moreover, in the freedom of mutual intercourse. III. THE SUBJECT MAY SUGGEST SEVERAL PRACTICAL TOPICS OF REFLECTION. 1. If we are partakers of this sacred fellowship, we need not regret the absence of those opportunities of seeing and hearing the incarnate Saviour which St. John enjoyed. 2. Nor must it be forgotten that this fellowship must be a personal and individual experience, 3. It is further worthy of remark, that this fellowship has an assimilating effect on those who partake of it. 4. Nor must the happiness of this Divine fellowship be forgotten. Trials may depress the natural spirits; but the soul which maintains fellowship with the Father and the Son shall rejoice in the Lord, and that joy shall be its strength. (J. Hill, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. |
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