1 John 1
1 John 1 is part of “Prologue: The Word of Life” (1:1–4) in the outline of 1 John.
1 John 1 summary
Evidence given concerning Christ's person and excellency (Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:2). The knowledge thereof gives us communion with God and Christ (Jo1 1:3), and joy (Jo1 1:4). A description of God (Jo1 1:5). How we are thereupon to walk (Jo1 1:6).
Read the full introduction
Evidence given concerning Christ's person and excellency (Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:2). The knowledge thereof gives us communion with God and Christ (Jo1 1:3), and joy (Jo1 1:4). A description of God (Jo1 1:5). How we are thereupon to walk (Jo1 1:6). The benefit of such walking (Jo1 1:7). The way to forgiveness (Jo1 1:9). The evil of denying our sin (Jo1 1:8-10).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in 1 John 1
1 John 1 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
The Word of Life
1That which was from the beginning, which wee haue heard, which wee haue seene with these our eyes, which wee haue looked vpon, and these handes of ours haue handled of that Word of life, 2(For that life was made manifest, and wee haue seene it, and beare witnes, and shewe vnto you that eternall life, which was with the Father, and was made manifest vnto vs) 3That, I say, which wee haue seene and heard, declare wee vnto you, that yee may also haue fellowship with vs, and that our fellowship also may be with the Father, and with his Sonne Iesvs Christ. 4And these thinges write we vnto you, that that your ioy may be full.
God Is Light
5This then is the message which wee haue heard of him, and declare vnto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkenes. 6If wee say that wee haue fellowship with him, and walke in darkenesse, we lie, and doe not truely: 7But if we walke in the light as he is in the light, we haue fellowship one with another, and the blood of Iesus Christ his Sonne clenseth vs from all sinne. 8If we say that we haue no sinne, we deceiue our selues, and trueth is not in vs. 9If we acknowledge our sinnes, he is faithfull and iust, to forgiue vs our sinnes, and to clense vs from all vnrighteousnes. 10If wee say we haue not sinned, wee make him a liar, and his word is not in vs.