(1) repeated words:
a. What the author announced to the readers were things that he (and others) had heard, had seen, and also they were the eyewitness. They were well qualified to give this testimony v.1, 2, 3.
b. What the author wanted to tell the readers was the Word of Life, or called the Life being revealed v.1b-2a. He was the eternal life Who was with the Father v.2b.
c. When the readers heard (and accepted) this announcement they could have a bonding or have fellowship with the author.v.3b,3c. The author would then in turn have a complete joy by this common bond v.4.
(2) One one hand, we can trust the author of the Bible. On the other hand, we know that the Word of Life is a physical person that the author can see, touch, and hear from. God wanted to reveal His Life to us. He also wanted us to hear and accept that so that we can have this life. People who have this life not only have a relationship with God, but with each other. It is a kind of relationship that brings joy.
(3) Reflection: Having the life from God is so important that Jesus came to reveal to us. Do I see that as important? Do I share the Gospel so that other people will have this life from God? Do I even share the Gospel to our families and loved ones?
Having fellowship with each other is the motivation for the author to share the Gospel. Do we love fellowship? What joy does it bring to you when you fellowship with other believers that you cannot have when you socialize with your other friends?
Audrey
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