1 John 1

1. The Apostle declares that the doctrine which he publisheth, is altogether certain and excellent. 3. And that he propounds it, that thereby believers might have communion with God, and their Joy be perfect. 5. That we can have no communion with God who is light if we walk in darkness. 7. But if we walk in the light that our sins are cleansed by the blood of Christ. 8. That we must not persuade ourselves that we are not sinners. 9. But that we must confess our sins before God, and that the same shall be forgiven us by God.

1. That which was from the beginning [Namely,of the Creation, that is, from all eternity. See Micah 5:1. John 1:1. Whereby Christ’s divine nature is described: as by the following words his human nature, according to which also by miracles and otherwise, he sometimes manifested his glory] that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we have beheld [this speaks more than seen: for that is done cursorily many times, but that which a man beholds, he observes with attention] and our hands have felt of the word [that is, of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is called the word by this Apostle, Joh. 1, ver. 1, 14. 1 John 5:7. Revelation 19:13. See the annotat. On John 1:1.] of life: [this title is ascribed to the word, that is, to the Son of God, because he hath that eternal living essence of God in himself, and giveth life to the creatures, and hath not only published, but also purchased, and imparts unto us eternal life. See John 1:4. And 14. 6.]

2. (For [Gr. And, as also chap, 3 4.] the life, [that is, the Son of God, who is called the life, John 1:4. And chapter 14. 6.] was manifested [namely, in the flesh, as Paul speaketh, 1 Tim. 3. 16.] and we saw it [namely, we Apostles saw the word, i.e. the Son of God, in his assumed human nature. A phrase usual concerning the person of Christ, when that is spoken of his whole person denominated from one nature, which must be understood only according to the other nature. See the like, John 3:13. Acts 20:28. And here, ver. 7.] and we testify and publish unto you that eternal life, [that is Christ, who liveth from eternity, and is the Author and giver of eternal life, as he is also before called the life, ver. 2.] which was with the father, [that is, as John speaketh in h is Gospel, John 1:1. That was with God; See the exposition there] and is revealed unto us, [namely, his Apostles, whom he had chosen and called for his witnesses, and given them to understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God. See Math. 13. 11. Acts 1:8. And chapter 2. 32.]

3. That (therefore) which we have seen and heard, that we publish unto you, that ye also might have communion [Namely, in all the spiritual benefits which Christ hath procured for us, and which are published in the Gospel] with us, [Apostles of Christ, and all other believers have together] (may be) [or, is] with the Father, namely, who now through Christ is reconciled unto us, and makes partakers of his heavenly good things] and with his son Jesus Christ. [namely, by faith being made partakers of his righteousness and glory. And it appears that the Apostle here speaketh of a spiritual communion which we have with Christ.]

4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy [Namely, which is already kindled in your hearts, by the preaching of the Gospel, and the operation of the holy Ghost, Romans 14:17.] may be filled. [that is, increase more and more here, and be perfect hereafter. See John 15:11. And 16, 24.]

5. And this is the declaration, [Gr. Epanglia; which word for the most part signifieth promise: but is here as fitly translated declaration: because that which followeth, contains not so much a promise, as indeed a declaration] which we have heard from him [namely Jesus Christ] and we declare unto you, that God is a light, [namely, as well in himself by his understanding clearly knowing all things, and in his will being wholly pure and holy: as also because he enlightens men by his Spirit, John 1:4.] and there is no darkness at all in him. [namely, of any ignorance, error, or unholiness]

6. If we say that we have communion with him, and we walk [Namely, so that sin reign over us, Romans 6:12, 14, 17, 20.] in darkness [namely, of ignorance, errors, unholiness, and sins, which are works of darkness, Ephes. 5. 11.] we lie [that is, speak not the truth, forasmuch as God hath not promised his communion to such, and they that are truly in communion with God, walk not in darkness, 1 John 3:9. For light and darkness have no communion one with another, 2 Cor. 6. 14.] and do not the truth. [that is, deal not uprightly, John 3:21.]

7. But if we walk in the light, [That is, not only in the true knowledge of the Gospel, but also in true purity, and holiness of life] as he is in the light, we have communion one with one another, [namely, we believers amongst our selves and together with God and his Son, ver. 3. Or we with God, and God with us] and the blood of Jesus Christ [this the Apostle adds, to show that our walking in the light is not a meritorious or efficient cause of this our communion with God, but a fruit and evidence of the same. Seeing Christ the Son of God hath effected the same by his blood, i.e. bloody suffering and death, thereby reconciling and uniting us unto God] his Son [this the Apostle adds thereby to express the dignity of the merit of Christ, as Acts 20:28.] cleanseth us [namely, taking away from us the guilt and punishment of sin by the benefit of justification, and also the defilement of sin, or our corruption by the benefit of regeneration, which hath its beginning in this life, but hereafter also shall be perfect] from all sin. [namely, as well original as actual, as well great as small.]

8. If we say that we have no sin, we seduce our selves, [Namely, from the right way which leadeth to salvation] and the truth is not in us. [that is, God’s word, which is called the truth, John 17:17. And teacheth otherwise every where. Or such thinking or imagination consists in untruth.]

9. If we confess our sins, [Namely, before God, with true sorrow and amendment] he is faithful [namely, in his promises which he hath made to penitent sinners] and just, [not that confession of sins according to God’s justice deserveth forgiveness of sins, but this word expounds the former, seeing justice requires that a man perform that which he hath promised. See Psal. 143. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 1.] that he should forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteous.

10. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, [Namely, as much as lieth in us, i.e. accuse him of lying, seeing he testifieth otherwise in his word] and his word is not in us. [that is, the truth: namely which God propounds in his word, as he speaketh, ver. 8.]