That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life
In other verses where John writes authoritatively, commanding certain action on the part of his readers, we must also conclude that he is writing as an apostle. In some instances, however, he includes himself along with his readers. He says, "If we say that we have fellowship with him" or "if we walk in the light" or "if we confess our sins." In these cases, he is writing as an ordinary disciple of Jesus including himself along with his readers.