1 John 1:3

Berean Standard Bible

We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.

King James Bible

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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1 John 1:3, in the NIV translation, states, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” This verse is a pivotal statement in the opening of 1 John, an epistle traditionally attributed to the apostle John, likely written in the late first century CE (ca. 90–100 CE) to a community of believers, possibly in Asia Minor. The verse encapsulates the purpose of John’s proclamation, emphasizing the reality of the incarnate Christ and the communal fellowship that flows from faith in Him. To fully understand the significance of 1 John 1:3, we must explore its historical, theological, and literary dimensions, as well as its implications for both the original audience and contemporary readers.

The historical context of 1 John is shaped by the challenges facing the early Christian community. The epistle addresses believers grappling with false teachings, likely from proto-Gnostic or docetic groups who denied the full humanity of Jesus or separated spiritual knowledge from ethical living (1 John 2:18–22; 4:2–3). These heresies threatened to fracture the community, leading some to claim superior spiritual insight while disregarding the apostolic witness and moral imperatives of the gospel. John, as an eyewitness to Jesus’ life and ministry (John 19:35; 21:24), writes to affirm the truth of the incarnation and to call believers to a life of love, obedience, and fellowship rooted in Christ. The context suggests a community under theological and social pressure, needing reassurance of the apostolic message and guidance to maintain unity and fidelity.

The verse begins with “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,” emphasizing the experiential basis of John’s message. The “we” likely refers to John and other apostolic witnesses, grounding the proclamation in firsthand testimony to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The verbs “seen” (heōrakamen) and “heard” (akēkoamen) are in the perfect tense in Greek, indicating completed actions with ongoing significance, underscoring the enduring reliability of their witness. This echoes the prologue of John’s Gospel (John 1:14), where the Word “became flesh” and was beheld by the apostles. In a context where false teachers may have claimed esoteric knowledge, John’s insistence on sensory experience—seeing and hearing—affirms the historical reality of the incarnation, countering docetic ideas that Jesus was not truly human. This also connects to Old Testament prophetic language, where seeing and hearing validate a messenger’s authority (e.g., Isaiah 6:1).

The purpose of this proclamation is “so that you also may have fellowship with us.” The Greek term for “fellowship” (koinōnia) denotes a deep, participatory communion, encompassing shared faith, love, and purpose. The “you” refers to the epistle’s recipients, likely a mix of Jewish and Gentile Christians, whom John invites into the apostolic community’s fellowship. This fellowship is not merely social but spiritual, rooted in a common commitment to the truth about Jesus. The phrase “with us” suggests continuity with the apostolic tradition, urging the readers to align with the eyewitness testimony rather than the innovations of false teachers. In a community facing division, this call to fellowship is a plea for unity, emphasizing that true Christian community is grounded in shared faith in the incarnate Christ.

The second sentence, “And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ,” elevates the concept of fellowship to a divine level. The “our” includes both the apostles and the readers, indicating that the community’s unity extends to a relationship with God Himself. The phrase “with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ” reflects a Trinitarian theology, where fellowship with God is mediated through Jesus, the Son (cf. John 14:6). The explicit naming of “Jesus Christ” underscores His dual nature—human (Jesus) and divine (Christ, the anointed one)—countering any attempt to separate His humanity from His deity. This fellowship with God is the ultimate goal of John’s proclamation, as it restores the relationship broken by sin (1 John 1:6–7) and fulfills Jesus’ prayer for unity between believers and God (John 17:20–21).

Theologically, 1 John 1:3 is a cornerstone of the epistle’s message, emphasizing the incarnation, fellowship, and the centrality of apostolic testimony. The reality of “what we have seen and heard” affirms that Christian faith is rooted in historical events, not abstract philosophy or secret knowledge. The focus on fellowship highlights the communal nature of salvation, where believers are united with one another and with God through Christ. This communion is both vertical (with God) and horizontal (with other believers), reflecting the love command that permeates the epistle (1 John 3:11; 4:7–12). The verse also underscores the Trinitarian framework of Christian faith, as fellowship with the Father and Son (and implicitly the Spirit, 1 John 4:13) is the essence of eternal life (1 John 5:11–12).

Literarily, 1 John 1:3 serves as a bridge between the prologue (1 John 1:1–2) and the exhortations that follow, articulating the purpose of John’s writing. The prologue’s poetic and rhythmic style, with its emphasis on sensory experience, flows into the declarative tone of verse 3, grounding the epistle’s theology in the reality of Christ’s incarnation. The verse’s structure—moving from proclamation to fellowship to divine communion—creates a logical progression that invites readers into the heart of the Christian message. The repetition of “with” (meta) emphasizes relationality, reinforcing the theme of koinōnia. The verse also sets up the epistle’s dual focus on doctrinal truth (affirming the incarnation) and ethical living (living in fellowship and light, 1 John 1:5–7), countering the false teachers’ errors.

For the original audience, 1 John 1:3 was both a reassurance and a challenge. Facing false teachings that threatened to divide the community, the verse offered assurance by grounding their faith in the apostolic testimony of Jesus’ incarnation, countering docetic heresies that denied His humanity. The emphasis on “what we have seen and heard” reaffirmed the reliability of the eyewitness accounts, encouraging believers to hold fast to the truth despite competing claims. The call to fellowship was a challenge to maintain unity with the apostolic community and, by extension, with God, urging them to reject divisive teachings and live in love and obedience (1 John 2:3–6; 3:11). This was particularly vital for a community experiencing social ostracism and internal conflict, as it reminded them that their identity as God’s people was rooted in a shared relationship with the Father and Son, offering hope and stability amidst persecution.

For contemporary readers, 1 John 1:3 remains a profound call to authentic faith and community. The emphasis on the apostolic proclamation challenges us to anchor our faith in the historical reality of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, especially in a world where truth is often relativized or spiritualized. The invitation to fellowship underscores the importance of Christian community, urging believers to cultivate unity and mutual support in churches, particularly when facing cultural pressures or doctrinal confusion. The verse’s Trinitarian focus—fellowship with the Father and Son—points to the relational heart of Christianity, where salvation is not merely doctrinal but a lived experience of communion with God and others. This challenges modern tendencies toward individualistic spirituality, calling us to embody love and truth in relationships.

The verse also has practical implications. The call to fellowship implies living out the gospel through love, forgiveness, and mutual encouragement (1 John 3:16–18; 4:20–21), countering self-centeredness or division. For believers navigating a pluralistic culture with competing ideologies, the verse encourages steadfastness in the apostolic faith, resisting teachings that dilute Christ’s incarnation or ethical demands. It also invites reflection on how we “proclaim” the gospel today—through words and actions—inviting others into the same fellowship we share with God. The emphasis on “what we have seen and heard” reminds us to return to the historical and biblical witness of Jesus, ensuring our faith is grounded in truth rather than subjective experience.

In conclusion, 1 John 1:3 is a theologically dense and pastorally vital verse that articulates the purpose of John’s epistle: to proclaim the reality of the incarnate Christ so that believers may share in fellowship with God and one another. Historically, it addressed a community facing false teachings and division, offering assurance through apostolic testimony and a call to unity. Theologically, it affirms the incarnation, the centrality of fellowship, and the Trinitarian nature of salvation. Literarily, it bridges the prologue’s poetic affirmation of Christ’s reality with the epistle’s ethical exhortations, using relational language to draw readers into communion. For the original audience, it provided clarity and encouragement amidst theological and social challenges, while for contemporary readers, it challenges us to root our faith in the historical Jesus, foster community, and live out the gospel in love and truth. By proclaiming “what we have seen and heard,” 1 John 1:3 invites all believers into the transformative fellowship that unites us with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Grace and peace be to you, beloved of God,

To the Church that spans across ages and continents, to the elect of God gathered by the Spirit and sanctified by truth—greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I speak to you as a fellow partaker in the grace that was once for all delivered to the saints, and I urge you to receive this word with readiness, for it is not only an exhortation but a call to recover what is most vital: true fellowship with God and one another.

The Apostle John, moved by the Holy Spirit, writes these words with apostolic fire and tenderness: “What we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” This declaration is not an abstract thought, nor is it religious poetry. It is the essence of Christian life. It is the heartbeat of the gospel. And it is this fellowship—the divine union between God and man, and between the saints themselves—that lies at the center of our faith.

Let it be proclaimed again to every pulpit, every household, every heart: Christianity is not primarily an ideology to adopt, a ritual to observe, or a tradition to preserve. It is fellowship—living, breathing, transformative fellowship with the living God. It is communion with the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit. It is the sharing of life—God’s life—with those who have been brought from death into light.

John does not speak as one who has merely heard doctrine. He speaks as one who has seen, who has touched, who has walked with the Word made flesh. He speaks from experience, but more than that, he speaks from revelation. What he proclaims is not man-made. It is revealed truth. And he proclaims it so that we might enter into the same communion he knew—true fellowship with God and with all those who are born of God.

But what is this fellowship? It is more than acquaintance. More than attendance. More than theological assent. Fellowship is a shared participation in the life and love of God. It is the intimate bond between redeemed souls and their Redeemer. It is the unity of the Spirit that joins believers not only to Christ but to one another. It is relationship lived out in light, love, obedience, and truth.

And yet, is this the fellowship we see in much of the Church today? Is the Church living in this divine communion, or has she traded the power of fellowship for the shell of religion? Too often we settle for proximity to holy things without true intimacy with a holy God. We sit in services but remain strangers to His presence. We quote His Word but remain distant from His voice. We call ourselves a family, but neglect the care, the sacrifice, and the love that marks true fellowship.

Hear this, Church: there can be no true fellowship with God while we walk in darkness. There can be no real unity with one another if we are not first united with the Father and the Son. If we claim to have fellowship and yet live in unrepentant sin, we lie—not only to others, but to ourselves. If we claim to walk with God and yet harbor unforgiveness, pride, or self-will, we are deceived. Fellowship is costly. It requires transparency, humility, confession, and a continual surrender to the light of Christ.

But oh, the joy of true fellowship! To be known by God, to walk in step with Him, to abide in His Word and live by His Spirit—this is the treasure of the redeemed. To be united with others who share that same life, to bear one another’s burdens, to weep and rejoice together, to correct in love and build in grace—this is the glory of the body of Christ. This fellowship is not a side benefit of salvation—it is the goal of it. Christ died not merely to forgive our sins, but to bring us into the embrace of the Father. He rose not only to defeat death, but to secure an eternal bond between heaven and earth, God and man, brother and sister.

This is why John proclaims what he has seen and heard—not so we can admire the message, but so we can enter into the life he has come to know. And if we do, our joy will be complete. Not because our circumstances are easy, but because our communion is real. This joy is not rooted in comfort or achievement. It is the joy of union—the joy of being reconciled to God and reconciled to His people. It is the joy of walking in the light, free from hiding, free from fear, full of truth.

So, I urge you now, people of God: examine the fellowship you claim. Are you walking with the Father, or only speaking of Him? Are you abiding in Christ, or merely adding Him to your life? Is your communion with other believers marked by love, sacrifice, and unity, or by suspicion, distance, and division? Return, Church, to the foundation. Return to the fellowship for which you were called. Let the Spirit of God search your heart. Let the light expose every dark corner. Let confession rise from your lips. Let repentance lead to renewal. Let the blood of Jesus cleanse, and let the fire of communion be rekindled.

And let us walk together—not in formality, but in true fellowship. Let the Church no longer be known for buildings or programs or performances, but for the living presence of God in her midst. Let our gatherings be filled not just with people, but with glory. Let our conversations be full of grace and truth. Let our relationships reflect the heart of Christ. Let our witness be unified, strong, and saturated with love. And let all who see us, see Him.

The world is not waiting for another sermon. It is waiting for a people who walk with God. The nations will not be moved by another slogan, but by a Church ablaze with love, alive with the presence of Christ, and walking in holy fellowship. Let it begin with us.

Now to Him who has called us into fellowship with His Son, who keeps us by His grace, and who will present us blameless before His presence with great joy—to Him be glory in the Church now and forevermore.

Amen.

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O Eternal Father,

Lord of light and love, Sovereign over all creation, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, through whom we have been brought into fellowship with You and with one another. We lift up our voices not with presumption, but with humble awe, knowing that we approach the throne of grace only because You first loved us and made a way for communion through the blood of the Lamb.

You, O God, who were from the beginning—unseen, unsearchable, dwelling in glory—we praise You for making Yourself known, for stepping into time, for taking on flesh, for walking among us in the person of Your Son. What was hidden has now been revealed. What was distant has now drawn near. What was unreachable has now become the center of our life. And we, who were once strangers to Your covenant, have been made partakers of divine fellowship—not through merit, but by mercy; not by our grasp, but by Your grace.

We thank You, Lord, for the testimony handed down from those who saw and heard and touched the Word of life. We bless You for the faithful witness of the apostles, who declared what they received so that we too might share in this holy communion—not only with them, but with You, and with Your Son, Jesus Christ. This is no religion of cold adherence or external performance. This is not an invitation to information alone, but to participation in life—Your life, eternal and pure, radiant and holy.

Father, we pray now for Your Church across the earth, called by Your name, baptized into one faith, filled with one Spirit, gathered around one Lord. Let the truth of this fellowship not remain distant or abstract in our minds, but let it become our lived reality. Make Your presence tangible in the midst of Your people. Let Your love be more than doctrine—let it become the bond that unites us. Let our communion with You overflow into communion with one another, so that we may be truly one, as You are One.

Break down every wall that separates. Heal every wound that divides. Expose every lie that hinders unity. Let not pride keep us apart. Let not fear keep us silent. Let not offense go unhealed. You have called us into fellowship—not into isolation, not into division, but into shared life. Let us not say we have fellowship with You while walking in darkness. Let us not speak of love while withholding it. Let us not profess unity while harboring bitterness. Confront our duplicity. Deliver us from pretense. Cleanse us, O God, from every way in which we have treated fellowship lightly or used it selfishly.

We confess that too often we have admired the idea of fellowship without surrendering to its cost. We have spoken of community without embracing the vulnerability it demands. We have longed for closeness while clinging to comfort. Forgive us, Lord. Strip away our independence that masquerades as strength. Teach us again to rely upon You and upon one another. Let us not settle for superficial connection, but lead us into the depths of sacrificial love.

Let our fellowship be marked by truth—not flattery, not false peace, not avoidance of hard things, but truth spoken in love, truth that liberates and purifies. Let it be marked by light, where nothing is hidden, where sin is confessed, where forgiveness is offered and received. Let it be marked by holiness, where our bond is not merely affection but shared reverence for the One who has made us holy. Let it be marked by joy—not the fleeting kind that fades with circumstance, but the joy of Your presence, full and complete.

Raise up among us those who pursue peace. Those who are quick to reconcile, eager to listen, slow to take offense. Raise up those who will labor to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Let us be a people who do not scatter in adversity but gather around the cross, around the table, around Your Word, and around Your purposes. May our fellowship give witness to a world torn by division and despair that there is a kingdom where love reigns, where grace flows, where healing comes, and where Christ is exalted.

And Lord, let our fellowship with You deepen daily. Let it not be something we speak of only in public or profess only in creed, but something we live in every moment. Teach us to abide in You—not in our own understanding, not in the strength of our flesh, not in the noise of the world, but in the stillness of Your presence. Let our mornings begin with You, our days be guided by You, and our nights rest in You. Let us walk in the Spirit, aware of Your nearness, obedient to Your voice, responsive to Your leading. Let us hear You in the quiet place, follow You in the hard places, and trust You in the unknown.

Where our fellowship with You has grown cold, rekindle it. Where it has been crowded out by distractions, clear the way. Where we have grown accustomed to distance, draw us near. Where we have become content with knowledge but neglected relationship, call us back. Let every part of our lives—our work, our worship, our relationships, our service—be shaped by our communion with You.

And may our fellowship not end with us. Let it become a river flowing outward to those who do not yet know You. Let our shared life be a witness to the world that You are real, that You are near, that You are love. Let our unity draw the lonely. Let our joy stir the searching. Let our grace confound the skeptic. Let our humility silence the proud. And let our lives, together, proclaim that the Word of life has come, that He lives among His people, and that His arms remain open to all who will come.

O Lord, what a wonder, what a gift, what a mystery: that we, dust and ash, may have fellowship with the eternal God. Let us treasure it. Let us walk in it. Let us never grow indifferent to it. And let us proclaim it boldly until the whole world knows that You are God and there is no other.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Life, and our Fellowship,

Amen.