1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— 2 the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. —1 John 1:1-4
“We believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, begotten of the Father, only-begotten, that is, from the substance of the Father; God from God, Light from Light, Very God from Very God, begotten not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things were made, both in heaven and on earth; who for us men and for our salvation came down and was made incarnate, was made man, suffered, and rose again on the third day, ascended into heaven, and is coming to judge the living and the dead.”
-Creed of Nicaea
Who is John?
Whom did they proclaim?
That which was from the beginning…concerning the word of life – the life was made manifest… —1 John 1:1
in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world —Hebrews 1:2
All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. —John 1:3
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. —Colossians 1:16-17
What did they proclaim?
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— —1 John 1:1
Why did they proclaim?
that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us… —1 John 1:3
Fellowship
…and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. —1 John 1:3
And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. —John 17:3
Joy
And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. —1 John 1:4