That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;
Ver. 1. That which was from the beginning] Christ, the eternal God. See Trapp on " Joh 1:2 "
Which we have heard, &c.] The man Christ Jesus, the arch-prophet.
Which we have seen] And what so sure as sight? See Luke 1:2. αυτοπτης, this was denied to many kings and prophets, Luke 10:24. To have seen Christ in the flesh was one of the three things that Austin wished, which yet St Paul set no such high price upon, in comparison to a spiritual sight of him, 2 Corinthians 5:16. See Trapp on " 2Co 5:16 "
Which we have looked upon] εθεασαμεθα, diligently and with delight. How sweet shall be the sight of him in heaven! With what inconceivable attention and admiration shall we contemplate his glorified body outshining the brightest cherub!
And our hands have handled] i.e. With whom we have most familiarly conversed, sitting with him at the same table, and eating some bushels of salt with him, as the Greek word, Acts 1:4, seems to import, συναλιζομ. from αλς, salt. Christ's faithful ministers that have the honour to handle his law (as the phrase is, Jer 2:8) come nearest to the apostles in this glorious privilege.