1 John 1:3 – We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Extended Explanation
In this verse, John is explaining why he is writing and sharing what he and the other eyewitnesses saw and heard. He wants his readers—not just back then, but us today—to know that this message is meant to bring people together. He’s not just sharing information; he’s inviting others into a relationship, a real connection.
John uses the word fellowship, which means more than just friendship. It means a deep, shared life. He’s saying, “We want you to be part of the same relationship we have—with each other and with God Himself.”
At the heart of it, John is showing that the Christian message isn’t just about believing facts. It’s about belonging to a family, being connected to God the Father and to His Son, Jesus Christ, and to other believers.
Historical Context
When John wrote this letter, false teachers were dividing the early church. Some people claimed secret knowledge about God and were pulling believers away from the simple, true message of Jesus Christ. Others were saying you could know God without caring about Jesus or the church community.
John is pushing back hard against those ideas. He’s reminding his readers that faith in Jesus isn’t a private, isolated experience. It’s about being part of something bigger—a family that shares in the life of God together.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that Christianity is not a solo journey. To believe in Jesus is to be brought into fellowship—real, living connection—with God and with other believers.
It also makes it clear that knowing God means knowing both the Father and the Son. You can’t separate the two. If you want fellowship with God, you need to believe in Jesus.
Literary Analysis
John uses plain, direct words here: seen, heard, proclaim, fellowship. He’s repeating the point he’s made in verses 1 and 2—he’s an eyewitness, and he wants others to share in what he has experienced.
The sentence is shaped like an invitation. It’s not a demand or a lecture. It’s a heartfelt call: Come and join us. Share in this life with God and with us.
The repetition of “fellowship” in this verse shows how central that idea is to John‘s message. Christianity isn’t just about believing the right things. It’s about being in relationship—with God and with others.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- John 17:21 – Jesus prays that all believers “may be one… so that the world may believe.”
- Acts 2:42 – Early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship.”
- 1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God… has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
- Philippians 2:1-2 – Encouragement to have fellowship with the Spirit and unity with one another.
- 1 John 1:7 – “If we walk in the light… we have fellowship with one another.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us that faith in Jesus isn’t meant to be private or disconnected. God’s plan is for His people to live in relationship—with Him and with each other. Christianity isn’t just about “me and God.” It’s about us—a family of believers who share life, love, and purpose.
It also tells us that true fellowship starts with a shared faith in Jesus. Without Him, there’s no real connection to God or to the family of faith.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is relational. He doesn’t just save people to stand alone. He brings them into a family. God wants us to know Him, but He also wants us to belong to each other. His love draws us into community, not isolation.
God doesn’t want anyone left out. John is writing so that you also—his readers, and us today—can be included in this fellowship. That’s God’s heart: to welcome people in.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The verse names Jesus directly: His Son, Jesus Christ. John is clear—real fellowship with God happens through Jesus. You can’t have one without the other.
The whole letter of 1 John emphasizes that Jesus is the way to know the Father:
- John 14:6 – Jesus said, “No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “There is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
- 1 John 2:23 – “No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also.”
Jesus is the bridge that brings us into fellowship with God and with one another.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John emphasizes fellowship so strongly in this verse?
- How would you describe your own fellowship with God and with other believers?
- What does it mean to you that God wants you to be part of His family?
- How can this verse challenge you to build deeper relationships with other Christians?
- What steps can you take today to grow in your fellowship with God and His people?