I John 1:2
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And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
the life--Jesus, "the Word of life." was manifested--who had previously been "with the Father." show--Translate as in Jo1 1:3, "declare" (compare Jo1 1:5). Declare is the general term; write is the particular (Jo1 1:4). that eternal life--Greek, "the life which is eternal." As the Epistle begins, so it ends with "eternal life," which we shall ever enjoy with, and in, Him who is "the life eternal." which--Greek, "the which." the before-mentioned (Jo1 1:1) life which was with the Father "from the beginning" (compare Joh 1:1). This proves the distinctness of the First and Second Persons in the one Godhead.
Open source ↗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).
Open source ↗1:2 life itself (Greek zōē): Throughout the New Testament, this word is used to designate the eternal life of God (e.g., Eph 4:18). This life resides in Christ, and he makes it available to all who believe in him. • This one . . . was revealed to us: Jesus, the Christ, was known to his apostles as a human being during his earthly ministry.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.
By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.
Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.
The one who practices sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the very start. This is why the Son of God was revealed, to destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.
But you know that Christ appeared to take away sins, and in Him there is no sin.
And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.
And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning.