1 We ·write [announce/proclaim to] you now about what ·has always existed [was from the beginning; Gen. 1:1; John 1:1], which we have heard, [^Lwhich] we have seen with our own eyes, [^Lwhich] we have looked at, and we have touched with our hands. We ·write [announce/proclaim] to you about the ·Word that gives life [Word of life; ^Cassociating the logos or “word” with Jesus suggests he is God’s communication with humanity; John 1:4; 11:25; 14:6]. ² ·He who gives life [^LThe life] ·was shown [appeared; was revealed] to us. We saw him and can ·give proof about [testify/witness to] it. And now we ·announce [proclaim; declare] to you ·that he has life that continues forever [^Lthe eternal life]. He was with ·God the Father [^Lthe Father] and ·was shown [appeared; was revealed] to us. ³ We ·announce [proclaim; declare] to you what we have seen and heard, ·because we want you also to have [so that you also may have] fellowship with us. Our fellowship is with ·God the Father [^Lthe Father] and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ We write this to you so ·we^[a] may be full of joy [our joy may be complete/perfect/come to full expression].