1 John 1:3

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

That which {G3739} we have seen {G3708} and {G2532} heard {G191} declare we {G518} unto you {G5213}, that {G2443} ye {G5210} also {G2532} may have {G2192} fellowship {G2842} with {G3326} us {G2257}: and {G2532} truly our {G2251} fellowship {G2842}{G1161} is with {G3326} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} with {G3326} his {G846} Son {G5207} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What we have seen and heard,
we are proclaiming to you;
so that you too
may have fellowship with us.
Our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Yeshua the Messiah.

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.

American Standard Version

that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First John 1:3 articulates the profound purpose of the apostolic witness: to invite believers into a transformative and shared spiritual communion. It declares that the apostles' firsthand experience of Jesus Christ, the Word of Life, is proclaimed so that others might also enter into fellowship, not only with the apostles themselves but, more significantly, with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This verse establishes the foundation for Christian community and the intimate relationship with the Triune God, which is the heart of the Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the prologue to John's First Epistle, spanning [1 John 1:1-4](/1_john/1-1-4 "1 John 1:1-4 - The Apostolic Proclamation of the Word of Life"). Having asserted the tangible reality of Jesus Christ—that which the apostles "have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life" ([1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life"))—John now states the ultimate objective of this proclamation. Verse 3 directly follows the declaration of Christ's manifestation and eternal nature, linking the apostles' personal encounter with the intended outcome for their readers. It serves as a bridge, connecting the historical reality of Christ to the spiritual reality of fellowship, and sets the stage for the theme of "fullness of joy" introduced in [1 John 1:4](/1_john/1-4 "1 John 1:4 - Fullness of Joy in Fellowship"). The entire epistle aims to assure believers of their salvation and guide them in living out their faith in truth and love, particularly in light of emerging false teachings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The First Epistle of John was likely written in the late first century, a period when the early Christian church was grappling with various theological challenges, particularly proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Jesus, claiming He was a spirit or that His physical body was an illusion (docetism). By emphasizing that the apostles "have seen and heard" and even "handled" ([1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life")), John directly counters these Gnostic claims, asserting the tangible, historical reality of Jesus' incarnation. The concept of "fellowship" (koinōnía) was also significant in the Greco-Roman world, referring to shared participation in a common enterprise, a partnership, or a community. John elevates this concept to a spiritual plane, defining it as a sacred bond with God and fellow believers, which was crucial for maintaining unity and doctrinal purity in a diverse and often hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** First John 1:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle and the broader New Testament. It underscores the **Authority of Apostolic Testimony**, asserting that the Christian faith is grounded in the verifiable, eyewitness accounts of those who personally encountered the incarnate Christ. This provides a firm historical and theological foundation for the gospel, distinguishing it from mythical or philosophical speculations. The verse also introduces the central theme of **Fellowship (Koinōnía)**, defining it not merely as social interaction but as a profound spiritual communion that is both horizontal (with other believers) and vertical (with God the Father and Jesus Christ). This dual dimension of fellowship is essential for understanding the nature of the church and individual spiritual life. Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Purpose of the Gospel Proclamation**, revealing that the declaration of Christ is not an end in itself but a means to invite humanity into a saving and transformative relationship with God, leading to abundant life and joy, as further elaborated in [1 John 1:4](/1_john/1-4 "1 John 1:4 - Fullness of Joy in Fellowship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **seen (Greek, _horáō'_):** This verb, G3708, properly means "to stare at," implying a clear discernment, whether physical or mental. In this context, it emphasizes the apostles' direct, physical observation of Jesus Christ. It's not a fleeting glance but a sustained, purposeful beholding, which lends irrefutable credibility to their testimony. This word directly counters any notion that Christ's earthly existence was illusory.
* **heard (Greek, _akoúō'_):** G191, a primary verb meaning "to hear" in various senses, including giving audience, coming to the ears, or understanding. Coupled with "seen," it reinforces the comprehensive nature of the apostolic experience. They not only saw Jesus but also heard His teachings, His voice, and His authoritative words. This sensory experience ensures the authenticity and reliability of their message.
* **declare (Greek, _apangéllō'_):** G518, meaning "to announce," "report," or "show." This verb highlights the active, intentional proclamation of the apostles' experience. Their seeing and hearing were not for their private benefit but for public declaration. It signifies the evangelistic and didactic purpose of their ministry – to make known the truth about the Word of Life.
* **fellowship (Greek, _koinōnía'_):** G2842, derived from _koinōnós_ (partner), signifies partnership, participation, communion, or benefaction. It goes beyond mere social interaction to denote a deep, shared life and commonality. In this verse, it encompasses both the horizontal bond among believers and the vertical, intimate relationship with the divine, which is the ultimate goal of the apostolic proclamation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you":** This opening clause firmly establishes the foundation of the apostolic message in direct, sensory experience. The "we" refers to the apostles, particularly John, who were eyewitnesses to Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, death, and resurrection. Their proclamation is not based on speculation, myth, or secondary reports, but on verifiable, personal encounter. This emphasis on "seen and heard" (which echoes [1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life")) lends undeniable authority and authenticity to their declaration of the "Word of life." The purpose of this declaration is explicitly stated: it is "unto you," the readers, indicating a deliberate act of sharing this profound truth.
* **"that ye also may have fellowship with us":** This clause reveals the immediate, horizontal purpose of the apostolic proclamation. The "that" (Greek _hína_) indicates purpose. The apostles' goal is to draw their audience into the same shared experience and community that they themselves enjoy. This "fellowship with us" refers to the communion of believers, a shared life in Christ that forms the Christian community. It implies mutual participation, shared faith, and common purpose within the body of Christ. This horizontal fellowship is a direct result of embracing the apostolic testimony.
* **"and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ":** This final, pivotal clause reveals the ultimate and deepest dimension of the fellowship. The "truly" (Greek _dé_) emphasizes the profound reality that the apostles' fellowship, and by extension, the fellowship offered to the readers, is not merely human but divine. The source and substance of the horizontal fellowship among believers is the vertical, intimate relationship with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This highlights the Trinitarian nature of Christian fellowship, where communion with one another is rooted in and flows from communion with God Himself. This divine fellowship is the ultimate goal and the most profound blessing of the Christian faith.

#### Literary Devices
John employs several effective literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Emphasis** through repetition and sensory language. The phrase "seen and heard" echoes the opening of the epistle ([1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life")), underscoring the tangible, historical reality of Jesus Christ and the undeniable authority of the apostolic witness. This repetition serves to counter any Gnostic tendencies to deny Christ's physical incarnation. There is also a clear **Progression** in the verse, moving from the apostles' personal experience ("we have seen and heard") to their proclamation ("declare we unto you"), then to the horizontal fellowship among believers ("that ye also may have fellowship with us"), and finally to the ultimate, vertical fellowship with the Triune God ("our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ"). This progression reveals the comprehensive scope and ultimate aim of the Gospel. Furthermore, the use of **Parallelism** in describing the dual nature of fellowship ("with us" and "with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ") highlights the interconnectedness of human community and divine communion in the Christian life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
First John 1:3 is foundational for understanding the nature of Christian existence, revealing that true faith is inherently relational. It posits that the very essence of the Christian life is participation in a divine-human communion, a concept rooted in God's own relational nature as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostles' eyewitness testimony is not merely historical reporting but an invitation to share in their intimate relationship with the living Christ and, through Him, with God the Father. This fellowship is the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, drawing humanity into the divine life. It underscores that Christianity is not a solitary pursuit of truth but a communal journey into the heart of God, where vertical communion with the Triune God empowers and defines horizontal communion among believers.

* [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity and Fellowship")
* [Philippians 2:1](/philippians/2-1 "Philippians 2:1 - The Fellowship of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - Called into Fellowship with Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First John 1:3 calls us to embrace the profound reality of Christian fellowship, both with God and with one another. It reminds us that our faith is not built on abstract ideas but on the historical, tangible person of Jesus Christ, attested by reliable witnesses. This truth provides a firm anchor for our souls in a world of shifting ideologies. Practically, this verse challenges us to actively cultivate our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and engagement with His Word, recognizing that our ultimate fellowship is with the Father and the Son. It also urges us to value and participate in the Christian community, understanding that our shared life with other believers is a tangible expression of our communion with God. This dual fellowship—vertical and horizontal—is designed to bring us into the fullness of joy that John speaks of in the very next verse, enriching our lives and empowering our witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "seen and heard" nature of the apostolic testimony strengthen your confidence in the truth of the Gospel?**
* **In what ways do you actively cultivate your personal fellowship with God the Father and Jesus Christ?**
* **How does your participation in Christian community reflect and deepen your fellowship with God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to foster deeper, more authentic "koinōnía" with fellow believers in your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "fellowship" (koinōnía) in this verse?**

Answer: The Greek word _koinōnía_ (G2842) is central to this verse's meaning. It signifies much more than mere social interaction or casual acquaintance. It denotes a deep, shared participation, a common life, a partnership, or communion. In the context of [1 John 1:3](/1_john/1-3 "1 John 1:3 - Fellowship with God and Believers"), _koinōnía_ encompasses two crucial dimensions:
1. **Horizontal Fellowship:** "that ye also may have fellowship with us." This refers to the shared life, faith, and purpose among believers. It's the spiritual bond that unites the Christian community, a mutual participation in the benefits and responsibilities of the Gospel.
2. **Vertical Fellowship:** "and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." This is the ultimate and defining aspect. It speaks of an intimate, personal relationship and communion with God Himself. This vertical relationship is the source, sustenance, and ultimate goal of the horizontal fellowship. It means sharing in the divine life, participating in the benefits of Christ's redemptive work, and having a common bond with the Triune God. It is through Christ that believers gain access to this profound communion with the Father, as highlighted in passages like [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ").

**Why does John emphasize the apostles' sensory experience ("seen and heard")?**

Answer: John's emphasis on the apostles' direct sensory experience ("That which we have seen and heard") is crucial for several reasons, particularly in the historical context of the early church. It directly counters emerging false teachings, such as proto-Gnosticism, which often denied the true humanity of Jesus. By asserting that the apostles had physically seen, heard, and even touched the Word of Life ([1 John 1:1](/1_john/1-1 "1 John 1:1 - The Word of Life")), John establishes the **historical veracity and tangible reality** of Jesus Christ's incarnation. This eyewitness testimony provides an **authoritative foundation** for the Christian faith, demonstrating that it is not based on myths, abstract philosophy, or spiritual visions, but on verifiable, historical events and the person of Jesus Christ. This emphasis ensures the authenticity and reliability of the Gospel message, providing a firm ground for the believers' faith and fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First John 1:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the sole mediator and enabler of the profound fellowship described. The "Word of life" that the apostles "have seen and heard" is none other than Jesus Himself, the incarnate Son of God. His coming into the world, His life, death, and resurrection, are the very means by which humanity can enter into this divine fellowship. It is through His atoning sacrifice that the barrier of sin, which separated humanity from God, was removed, making reconciliation possible ([2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Jesus, as the "way, the truth, and the life," is the only path to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and it is through Him that believers gain "access in one Spirit unto the Father" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Therefore, the fellowship with the Father and the Son is entirely Christ-centered, made possible by His redemptive work and sustained by His indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")). He is the content of the apostles' proclamation and the very essence of the life shared in Christian communion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 1:9

God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

John 17:3

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Philippians 2:1

¶ If [there be] therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.