1:2 (Parenthesis)
This verse is a comment about the Word of life, which John has just mentioned. In the next verse (1:3) he continues what he has been saying about the subject of his letter.
1:2a
And this is the life: (Meaning) This also refers to Jesus. See the note on 1:1 “Word of life” above.
was revealed: (Alternative Interpretations) Two interpretations of the form of the Greek verb are possible here:
(1) It probably means “he was revealed (by God),” “God caused him to become a human being, who people could see.” (Berean Standard Bible, The Jerusalem Bible, New English Bible, King James Version, Revised Standard Version, Living Bible)
(2) Some think it means “he appeared,” “he became visible.” (New International Version (2011 Revision), Good News Translation, Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
1:2c
testified: (Meaning) This means to tell or confirm the truth about something which one has personally experienced or seen.
1:2d
proclaim: (Meaning) This means to testify to something openly or publicly.
the eternal life: (Special Biblical Term) This is a biblical term which describes the type of life which God has and which he gives to us. It refers to both the length of that life and to its quality. It means life which is never-ending and which is heavenly rather than earthly. In this verse it refers to Jesus, just as “the life” does at the beginning of the verse. It is emphasizing that the life which Jesus brings us has always existed in heaven.
1:2e
with the Father: (Meaning) This is very similar to John 1:1 “the Word was with God.” It means that God and the Word (the Life) never existed separately, they were always together.
Father: (Expression) If it is necessary to specify whose father this is, say “our Father” here.
1:2f
was revealed to us: (Alternative Interpretations) See the note on 1:2a “revealed.” The same two interpretations are found here.
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