These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
These things - this letter. He, in closing his gospel (John 20:30-31), wrote similarly, stating his purpose in having written. In 1 John 1:4, he states the object of this letter "that your joy may be full." To "know that we have eternal life" is the sure way to 'joy in God.' A B 'Aleph ('), Vulgate, read, 'These things have I written unto you (omitting that believe on the name of the Son of God) that ye may know that ye have eternal life (cf. 1 John 5:11), THOSE (of you I mean) WHO believe (not, and that ye may believe) on the name of the Son of God.' [B 'Aleph (') read tois (G3588) pisteuousin (G4100); but A C, Vulgate, hoi (G3588) pisteuontes (G4100).] The English version means, 'that ye may continue to believe,' etc. (cf. 1 John 5:12).