³⁵ (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe.^[a])

²⁴ This disciple is the one who testifies to these events and has recorded them here. And we know that his account of these things is accurate.

Introduction

1 We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning,^[a] whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. ² This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. ³ We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

³ So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? ⁴ And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

²⁷ And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.

Advice for Elders and Young Men

5 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:

⁴ Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

³⁹ “And we apostles are witnesses of all he did throughout Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a cross,^[a]

³¹ But these are written so that you may continue to believe^[a] that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name.

Conclusion

¹³ I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.