1 John 1:5

ἀγγελία in N.T. only here and 1 John 3:2. ἐπαγγελία could only mean “promise” (cf. 1 John 2:25). ἀπαγγέλλειν and ἀναγγέλλειν both mean “announce,” the former with reference to the source of the message (ἀκηκόαμεν ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ) and the latter to its destination. “ Quod Filius annunciavit, renunciat apostolus ” (Haupt). οὐκ ἔστιν οὐδεμία : the double negative makes a stronger negative (cf. Luke 23:53). The manifestation of God in Christ was to those who beheld it a splendid glory, the breaking of a great light into the darkness of a sinful and sorrowful world. Cf. Matthew 4:14-16. Light means warmth, health, sight, in a word “life” (cf. 1 John 1:2).

Light is given that we may “walk in it” and enjoy its blessings. It is thus that the Gospel attains its end and fulfils its purpose in us. The Apostle now proceeds to warn his readers against two heresies which ignored this condition of heavenly fellowship.