_That which was_ That is, as the expression here means, _the word which was_, namely, with the Father, (1 John 1:2,) before he was manifested; _from the beginning_ This phrase sometimes means the beginning of the gospel dispensation, as 1 John 2:7, and is thus interpreted here by Whitby, Doddridge,... [ Continue Reading ]
_For the life_ The living Word; _was manifested_ In the flesh to our very senses; _and we have seen it_ In its full evidence; _and bear witness_ Testify by declaring, by preaching, and writing, 1 John 1:3. Preaching lays the foundation, writing builds thereon: _and show unto you_ Who have not seen;... [ Continue Reading ]
_That which we have seen_ Him, I say, of whom we have such infallible knowledge, or that which we have seen and heard from him and of him; _declare we to you_ For this end; _that ye also may have fellowship with us_ May enjoy the same fellowship which we enjoy; or, in other words, that, being fully... [ Continue Reading ]
_This then is the message_ That is, one part of it; _which we have heard of him_ The Son of God; _that God is light_ The light of truth, wisdom, holiness, glory. What light is to the natural eye, that God is to the spiritual eye; _and in him is no darkness at all_ Not the least mixture of ignorance... [ Continue Reading ]
_If we say_ Before Christ's blood has cleansed us; _that we have no sin_ To be cleansed from; or if, even after we have experienced the cleansing virtue of his blood, and are acquitted through the merit of it from all past guilt, and saved from all evil tempers, words, and works; if, even after this... [ Continue Reading ]