ACC ~ 1 John 1 v2

WE SAW IT. DIDYMUS THE BLIND: Note that there is an important difference between seeing and contemplating. For what is seen can be told to others, which is not always possible with things which are contemplated. For there are many things which may be perfectly well contemplated but which cannot be expressed in words because they are known by some ineffable understanding. In this verse it should be noticed that those who are bearing witness are not validating the life of Jesus but improving themselves by their confession. COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.

THE LIFE WAS MADE MANIFEST. AUGUSTINE: The life itself has been manifested in flesh, so that what can be seen by the heart alone might be seen also by the eyes, in order that hearts might be healed. TEN HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 1.1.

THE SAME FLESH CRUCIFIED. ANDREAS: John says this with reference to the close union of the Word with the flesh. Or perhaps he says this with reference to the resurrection, considering the way in which it was made known to the apostles by the action of Thomas. That proved that Christ rose again with the same flesh in which he had been crucified. CATENA.

WE TESTIFY TO IT. BEDE: The life of which John is speaking here was the same as that of which we read in his Gospel, when Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life.” It was manifested and declared in the flesh by the divine miracles, and the disciples who were present saw and later testified to them with undoubted authority. ON 1 JOHN.

1 Jn