And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.
And these things write we unto you: "Write" is also in the present tense and should read, "these things we are writing." The "we" in this verse also refers to the apostles, as we have noted in verses 1 through 3. Some contend that John is using the editorial "we" in this passage, but why would he suddenly change from the apostolic "we" of the first three verses? There is no reason for changing; therefore, we must conclude that he is using "we" in the same sense. The things that the apostles are declaring they are also writing. "These things" include all the writings of the New Testament. Why was the New Testament written? John will answer this question in the next phrase.