³⁵ The man who saw it^(A) has given testimony, and his testimony is true.^(B) He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.

²⁴ This is the disciple who testifies to these things^(A) and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.^(B)

The Incarnation of the Word of Life

1 That which was from the beginning,^(A) which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,^(B) which we have looked at and our hands have touched^(C)—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. ² The life appeared;^(D) we have seen it and testify to it,^(E) and we proclaim to you the eternal life,^(F) which was with the Father and has appeared to us. ³ We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard,^(G) so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.^(H)

²⁷ And you also must testify,^(A) for you have been with me from the beginning.^(B)

To the Elders and the Flock

5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder^(A) and a witness^(B) of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:^(C)

³ how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?^(A) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,^(B) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.^{(C) 4} God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,^(D) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit^(E) distributed according to his will.^(F)

⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,^(A) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

³⁹ “We are witnesses^(A) of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross,^(B)

³¹ But these are written that you may believe^[a](A) that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God,^(B) and that by believing you may have life in his name.^(C)