1That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life 2(and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Father, and was revealed to us); 3that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.
5This is the message which we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie and don’t tell the truth. 7But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanses us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we haven’t sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
John and his brother James left their family fishing business to follow Jesus. As one of the inner three disciples, John was present at some of the most memorable parts of Jesus ministry (cf Matt 17:1; Mk 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). He was referred to by three nicknames, one given to him and his brother by Jesus: “Boanerges, that is “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17). Another name, the beloved disciple, is one he bestowed on himself, and is used only in the Gospel he wrote (Jn 13:21, 19:26-27). He also refers to himself as “the Elder” in 2 and 3 John. While Jesus was on the cross, He entrusted John with the care of Mary, His mother (Jn 19:26-27). After Jesus’ resurrection John was one of the leading figures of the early church and was arrested with Peter for preaching the word (Acts 4:1-4). Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul referred to him as a pillar of the church (Gal 2:9). Eventually John went to Ephesus and from there was banished to Patmos for “the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev 1:9) It was on Patmos that John was given the revelation of the end of time by Jesus Christ Himself.