What does 1 John 1:3 mean?
"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." - 1 John 1:3

1 John 1:3 (KJV) reads: "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
This verse from the book of 1 John emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of the gospel with others, so that they may also experience the same fellowship with God and Jesus Christ that believers have. It speaks to the idea of community and sharing the good news of salvation with others.
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning. The apostle John, the author of the book of 1 John, was writing to a group of believers to address some false teachings and to encourage them in their faith. He wanted to reiterate the message of Jesus Christ and the importance of walking in fellowship with God and with one another. This verse serves as an exhortation for believers to share their experiences and encounters with God so that others may also come to know Him.
The theme of fellowship is prominent in this verse. John emphasizes the concept of believers sharing a common bond and relationship with God and Jesus Christ. This fellowship is not just a casual acquaintance, but a deep and intimate connection that believers have with the Father and the Son. It is a shared experience that unites believers in their faith and encourages them to live in harmony with one another.
The use of the word "declare" in this verse is significant. It implies a sense of urgency and responsibility to share the message of the gospel with others. Believers are called to proclaim what they have "seen and heard" about Jesus Christ, so that others may come to know Him and experience the same fellowship with God. This act of declaration is an essential aspect of the Christian faith, as it reflects the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
The fellowship that believers have with God and Jesus Christ is also a point of emphasis in this verse. It is through this fellowship that believers experience intimacy with God and are able to live in accordance with His will. This fellowship is not limited to just one's personal relationship with God, but also extends to the community of believers. By sharing in this fellowship, believers are united in their faith and are able to encourage and support one another in their walk with Christ.
The symbolism of fellowship in this verse is powerful. It represents the idea of unity and mutual participation in the life of God. Believers are brought into a close relationship with God and with one another through the work of Jesus Christ. This fellowship is not based on human effort, but on the grace and love of God that brings believers together as one body in Christ.
In conclusion, 1 John 1:3 is a powerful reminder of the importance of sharing the message of the gospel with others so that they may come to know God and experience fellowship with Him. It emphasizes the concept of community and the unity of believers in their faith. The verse challenges believers to be bold in proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ and to live in fellowship with one another as they walk in obedience to God. Ultimately, this verse encourages believers to actively participate in the work of building the kingdom of God by sharing the love and grace of Jesus Christ with others.
Have questions about 1 John 1:3?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
1 John 1:3 Artwork
1 John 1:3 - "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."
1 John 1:3-4 - "We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete."
"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." - 1 John 1:3
"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." - 1 John 1:3-4
1 John 3:1-3
John 3:3
John 3:3-8
John 3:14
John 3:16
John 3:16
John 1:3
John 1:3
John 3:16
John 3:16
John 3-16
John 3:16
John 3:16
John 12:3
BORN AGAIN JOHN 3:1-13
3 John 1:1 - "The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth."
John 19:1-3
John 9:1-3
Born again. John 3
1 John 3:3 - "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
John 3:1 - "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:"
1 John 1:9
1 John 3:13 - "Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you."
Matthew 3:1 - "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,"
3 John 1:3 - "For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth."
3 John 1:8 - "We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth."