1 From the very beginning, we heard him, we saw him with our own eyes, we looked at him up close, and we touched him with our hands—the one who is life itself. John is talking about Jesus, emphasizing that he and others actually experienced Jesus in person. He’s stressing the reality and physical presence of Jesus, not just an idea or story.
2 This life showed up, and we saw it. We’re telling you about it because we saw it ourselves—this eternal life that was with the Father and then appeared to us. He’s saying that Jesus, who is eternal life, was with God and then came to them. John wants his readers to know he’s sharing what he personally witnessed.
3 We’re sharing with you what we’ve seen and heard, so you can share in this connection with us. And our connection is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus the Messiah. John’s goal is to invite others into the same relationship with God and Jesus that he and the other witnesses have. It’s about real community and shared life.
4 We’re writing all this so our joy can be complete. He’s saying that sharing this message and seeing others join in brings them full joy. Their happiness is tied to others experiencing this life too.
5 Here’s the message we heard from him and now pass on to you: God is light—there’s not a bit of darkness in him. John sums up Jesus’ message: God is completely good and pure, with no evil or deceit at all.