The writer of First John starts with these words “That which was from the beginning” It echoes’ the opening verses of John’s gospel, that while God’s son Jesus has always been, he had been physically here, the Word had became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), an experience that John goes on the say that he heard, saw and touched and this was the message that he proclaimed.
In other words this was real; this was tangible as one commentator words it “this is not a once upon a time story” or “kids stuff” this letter is set in a real life and highlights the very importance of that. It is not some made up story to keep you in line this is something of critical importance, not abstract theory, this is really happened! Jesus became fully human, fully God.
Another commentator points out that these opening verses of 1st John cover so much, from the essence of Christianity, God coming and dwelling among us, because without Christ the Gospels mean nothing. It shares with us the evidence of Christianity, that John and others bore witness to him. And which all point to what a Christian should proclamation. This letter talks about the assurances that we have as Christian.
So why is this letter written? Because this church was going through chaos and conflict. When 1st John was written it was difficult to see what the boundaries between orthodoxy and heresy were. There was no collection of books called “the New Testament” to guide people. No church tradition to inform them. This letter penned by John is designed to draw people back to the centre of the Gospel, Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God dwelling among his people. And the truth of that statement is what we still proclaim today!
Join us in evening church for this new series starting from Sunday 4th September 2011
About Darryl Spicer
Engage