1 John 1:1-4 - Prologue

¹ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have contemplated, and our hands have handled, concerning the living Word- ² (for the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and declare to you that life which is eternal, which was with the Father, and was manifested to us;) ³ that which we have seen and heard, we declare to you; that you also may have fellowship with us: and our fellowship truly is with the Father, and with his Son, Jesus Christ. ⁴ And these things we write to you, that your joy may be complete.

¹ A revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to show to his servants the things which must shortly be; and sending by his messenger, he signified them to his servant John, ² who testified the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, whatever he saw. ³ Happy is he that reads, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it; for the time is at hand.