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??1 JOHN 3
1 JOHN 2:28-3:24
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| Children of God (2:28-3:10) |
The Children of God | Loyalty to the True Faith (2:18-29) |
The enemy of Christ (2:18-29) |
To Live as God's Children (2:29-4:6) |
| 2:28-3:3 | 2:28-3:3 | 2:28 | 2:28-29 | |
| 2:29 Filial Relation Expressed in Right Conduct |
Children of God | 2:29-3:2 | ||
| 3:1-10 | 3:1-3 | First Condition: To Break with Sin | ||
| Sin and the Child of God | 3:3-10 | |||
| 3:4-10 | 3:4-9 | 3:4-6 | ||
| 3:7-8 | ||||
| The Imperative of Love | 3:9-10 | |||
| Love One Another | 3:10-15 | Love for One Another | Love One Another | Second Condition: To Keep the Commandments, Especially Life |
| 3:11-18 | 3:11-18 | 3:11-12 | 3:11-24 | |
| The Outworking of Love | 3:13-18 | |||
| Confidence Before God | 3:16-23 | The Christian's Assurance | Courage Before God | |
| 3:19-24 | The Spirit of Truth and the Spirit of Error | 3:19-24 | 3:19-24 | |
| 3:24-4:6 |
READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
?1 JOHN 2:28-3:3
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 JOHN 2:28-3:3
28Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have
confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming. 29If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone
who practices righteousness is born of Him. 3:1See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called
children of God; and such we are. For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2Beloved,
now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we
will see Him just as He is. 3And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.
2:28 There is much discussion among commentators whether a new paragraph should begin in 1 John 2:28, 29, or 3:1. Because of the repetition between 1 John 2:27 and 28, the paragraph division should probably go here.
▣ "little children" See note at 1 John 2:1.
▣ "abide in Him" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE. This PRESENT IMPERATIVE is used to promote Christian perseverance (i.e., "abide" or "remain" from menō, see full note at 2:24, cf. 1 John 3:15,24). This is a recurrent emphasis in John's writings.
The PRONOUNS' ANTECEDENTS are often difficult to identify, but in this paragraph, they are obvious.
Context, context, context!
SPECIAL TOPIC: NEED TO PERSEVERE
SPECIAL TOPIC: "ABIDING" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
▣ "when He appears" There are several THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCES in this context, which denote potential/probable action.
The Greek term translated "appears" can also be translated "manifested." This root is used in 2:28; 3:2 (twice), 5, 8, 10. It denotes a clear revelation.
This is not meant to convey an uncertain event, but an uncertain time (similar to the NT use of the term "hope," cf. 1 John 3:3).
SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, III.
▣ "we may have confidence" The Greek word for "confidence" (parrhēsia) is from the root "to speak freely." Assurance is a current lifestyle based on the believer's knowledge of and trust in the gospel of Jesus Christ (cf, 1 John 3:21; 4:17; 5:14).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BOLDNESS (parrhēsia)
| NASB | "and not shrink away from Him in shame" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "and not be ashamed before Him" |
| NRSV | "and be put to shame before him" |
| TEV | "and not hide in shame from him" |
| NJB | "and not shrink from him in shame" |
| REB | "and unashamed before him" |
This is an AORIST PASSIVE (deponent) SUBJUNCTIVE which means that it can be understood as
Believers are to look for and rejoice in the return of Christ (cf. Rom. 8:19,23,25; 1 Cor. 1:7; Gal. 5:5; Phil. 3:20; Titus 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:12), but those who have lived in selfish, worldly ways will surely be surprised and embarrassed at His appearance! There will be a judgment of believers (cf. 2 Cor. 5:10), not related to salvation but for the non-use or misuse of their spiritual giftedness and opportunities.
▣ "at His coming" This is a reference to the Second Coming. This word, Parousia, is used only here in all of John's writings and has the connotation in the first century Mediterranean world of an imminent royal visit.
The other NT terms used for the Second Coming are
The sudden, surprising and unexpected return of the glorified Jesus is used as an impetus to godly living. There have been so many theories and predictions about the time of Jesus' return; so far, every one has been mistaken. Be careful of charts and "date setters"! The best believers can do is
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
2:29 "If" This is another THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE that means potential or probable action. Here it refers to an assumed knowledge that believers share, but false teachers have missed.
▣ "you know" In grammatical form this is either a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE which states an ongoing knowledge, or a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE which speaks of a believer's necessary knowledge. John's usage of "know" as the possession of all who have the Spirit dictates that it is INDICATIVE. In a context of false teachers claiming special knowledge, believers need "to know" the truth, which is found in Christ alone by means of Apostolic teaching!
▣ "He" This refers to Jesus (cf. 1 John 2:1,28; 3:7. However, the last PRONOUN, "born of Him," seems to refer to God the Father because the phrase "born of God" is used so often (cf. 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18; John 1:13). See full note at 1 John 2:28.
▣ "righteous. . .righteousness" This is an expected family characteristic! Eternal life has observable characteristics!
The false teachers showed their claims of special revelation from Jesus were false by the way they lived! Eternal life has observalbe characteristics (i.e., "by their fruit you shall know them," Matt. 7:15-27; 12:33; Luke 6:44).
▣ "born" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE INDICATIVE which means a settled condition brought about by an outside agent, God the Father (cf. John 1:13; 3:3; 1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:4,18). Notice the use of familial imagery (i.e., "children," "born") to describe Christianity (i.e., it is a family). See note at 1 John 3:1d (see full note there).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BIBLICAL FAITH IS CORPORATE
3:1 "See how great a love" The word for "love" used here and throughout 1 John is agapaō (VERB) or agapē (NOUN).
▣ "the Father has bestowed on us" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The use of this TENSE connected to God's gift of salvation in Christ (cf. John 4:10; Eph. 2:8; Heb. 6:4) is one biblical basis for the doctrine of the security of the believer (cf. John 6:35-40; 10:1ff; Eph. 2:5,8; 5:1).
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT EVIDENCE FOR ONE'S SALVATION
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
▣ "that we would be called" This is an AORIST PASSIVE SUBJUNCTIVE which is used in the sense of an honorific title ("children of God") given by God. Oh my, oh my, what a truth!
▣ "children of God" This is the focus of 1 John 2:29-3:10. It confirms God's initiative in our salvation (cf. John 6:44,65; 12:32). John uses familial terms to describe the believer's new relationship with Deity.
It is interesting that
to describe the believer's new relationship with God through Christ.
Christianity is a family. Believers are not part of it by creation but by a new birth (John 3).
SPECIAL TOPIC: BIBLICAL FAITH IS CORPORATE
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHILDREN OF GOD
▣ "and such we are" This is the PRESENT INDICATIVE. This phrase is not found in the King James Version of the Bible because it was not included in the later Greek uncial manuscripts (i.e., K and L) on which the KJV is based. However, this phrase does appear in several of the most ancient Greek manuscripts (P47, א, A, B, and C). The UBS4 gives its inclusion an "A" rating (certain).
SPECIAL TOPIC: TEXTUAL CRITICISM
▣ "the world does not know us" The term "world" is used in a theologically similar way as 1 John 2:15-17. The world denotes human society organized and functioning apart from God (cf. John 15:18-19; 17:14-15). Persecution and rejection by the world is another evidence of our position in Christ (cf. Matt. 5:10-16; Rom. 8:17; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).
SPECIAL TOPIC: KOSMOS (in Paul)
▣ "because it did not know Him" This is apparently a reference to God the Father because in the Gospel of John Jesus says again and again that the world does not know Him (cf. John 8:19,55; 15:18,21; 16:3). The PRONOUNS in 1 John are ambiguous (see note at 1 John 2:28). In this context
3:2 "it has not appeared as yet what we will be" This speaks of John's inability to describe these
▣ "when He appears" The term "when" introduces a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE (as in 2:28,29). It is used here not to question the Second Coming, but to express its uncertain date. John, although emphasizing a full salvation now, also expects a consummation event at the Second Coming.
▣ "we will be like Him" This involves the consummation of our Christlikeness (cf. 2 Cor. 3:18; Eph. 4:13; Phil. 3:21; and Col. 3:4). This is often called "glorification" (cf. Rom. 8:28-30). This is the culmination of our salvation! This eschatological transformation is related to the full restoration of God's image in humans created in His likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26; 5:1,3; 9:6). Intimate fellowship with God is again possible now but will be complete at the Parousia.!
SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK VERB TERMS USED FOR SALVATION
▣ "because we will see Him just as He is" Job longed to see God (cf. Job 19:25-27). Jesus told us that the pure in heart will see God (cf. Matt. 5:8). To see Him in His fullness means that we will be changed into His likeness (cf. 1 Cor. 13:12). This refers to the glorification of the believer (cf. Rom. 8:29) at the Second Coming. If
3:3 "everyone" The Greek term pas appears seven times from 1 John 2:29 to 3:10. There are no exceptions. John presents truth in stark, black-or-white categories. One is either the child of God or the child of Satan (cf. 1 John 2:29; 3:3,4,6 [twice],9,10). For John there is/was no third option.
▣ "this hope" In Paul this term often refers to the consummation of the believers' faith (cf. Acts 23:6; 24:15; 26:6-7; Rom. 8:20-25; 1 Thess. 2:19; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:3,21). It expresses the certainty of the event, but with an ambiguous time element.
John does not speak of "the hope" of the Second Coming as frequently as other NT authors. This is the only use of the term in his writings. He focuses on the benefits and obligations of "abiding" in Christ now! However, this is not to imply he did not expect an end-time judgment of evil (cf. Rev. 20:11-15) and end-time glorification of the believer (cf. 1 John 3:1-3).
SPECIAL TOPIC: JUDGMENT IN THE NT
▣ "purifies himself, just as He is pure" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. Purity is important (cf. Matt. 5:8,48). Believers must cooperate in the process of sanctification (cf. 2 Cor. 7:1; James 4:8, 1 Pet. 1:22; 2 Pet. 3:13,14; just as John 1:12; 3:16 speak of our cooperation in the process of justification. This same tension between God's part (sovereignty) in our salvation and our part (human free will) can be clearly seen by comparing Ezek. 18:31 with Ezek. 36:26-27. God always takes the initiative (cf. John 6:44,65; John 12:32 implies all are drawn to Jesus), but He has demanded that covenant people must respond by initial repentance and faith as well as continuing repentance, faith, obedience, service, worship, and perseverance.
This may be an allusion to Jesus' High Priestly prayer of John 17, especially 1 John 3:17,19. He sanctifies Himself, His followers sanctify themselves. Different forms of the same basic root are used.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 3:4-10 (interpretation problems caused by 3:6,9)
We are free from sin's penalty (justification) in Christ, yet we still struggle with its power (progressive sanctification) and one day we will be free of its presence (glorification). This book as a whole teaches the priority of admitting our sin and striving toward sinlessness.
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
?1 JOHN 3:4-10
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:4-10
4Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is
lawlessness. 5You know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin. 6No one
who abides in Him sins; no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him. 7Little children, make sure no one deceives you;
the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; 8the one who practices sin is of the devil; for
the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9No
one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10By
this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one
who does not love his brother.
| 3:4 | |
| NASB | "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness" |
| NKJV | "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness" |
| NRSV | "Everyone who commits sin is guilty of lawlessness" |
| TEV | "Whoever sins is guilty of breaking God's law" |
| NJB | "Whoever sins, acts wickedly" |
The PRONOUN "everyone" is fronted here and in 1 John 3:6. This context relates to all humanity!
This is a PREENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE and a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. It is significant these PRESENT TENSE VERBS emphasize habitual, ongoing, lifestyle action in contradistinction to the AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES in 1 John 2:1-2. However, the theological problem of this passage (compare 1 John 1:7-10 with 3:6-9) cannot be fully solved by a VERB TENSE. It is solved by the historical setting of two types of Gnostic false teachers and the total context of the book.
Another distinctive of this passage is its use of the term "lawlessness." This speaks not of the breaking of a law (Moses Law or societal norms) as much as an attitude of rebellion. This same word is used to describe the Antichrist in 2 Thess. 2:3,7. It may be a fuller definition of sin (cf. John 9:41; Rom. 14:23; James 4:17; 1 John 5:17), the opposite of Christlikeness (cf. 1 John 3:5), not just violation of a rule or standard.
3:5 "He appeared" This is an AORIST PASSIVE INDICATIVE which speaks of Jesus' incarnation (cf. John 1:14; 1 John 1:2; 3:8; 4:2; 1 Tim. 3:16; 2 Tim. 1:10; 1 Pet. 1:20; 2 John v. 7).
The same VERB, phaneroō, is used twice in 1 John 3:2 of His Second Coming. He came first as savior (cf. Mark 10:45; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:21), but He will return as Consummator!
In his commentary The Letters of John, one of my favorite teachers, Bill Hendricks says:
"Two of the most penetrating statements of the purpose of Christ's coming are found in this verse and in verse 8. He was sent by God to take away sins (3:5), and he was revealed to destroy the devil's works (3:8). Elsewhere Luke recorded that Jesus' purpose in coming was to seek and to save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). The Gospel of John states that Jesus came that his sheep might have the abundant life (John 10:10). Matthew implied the purpose of Jesus' coming in his interpretation of the name Jesus; He shall save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21). The basic fact in all of these expressions is that Jesus Christ has done something for man which man could not do for himself" (pp. 79-80).
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
▣ "to take away sins" This is an AORIST SUBJUNCTIVE. The action is contingent on human response (i.e., repentance and faith). The background of this statement is related to two possible sources.
▣ "and in Him there is no sin" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. Jesus Christ's sinlessness (cf. John 7:18; 8:46; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 9:14; 1 Pet. 1:19; 2:22) is the basis for His vicarious, substitutionary atonement on our behalf (Isaiah 53; Mark 10:45).
Notice that "sin" is PLURAL in the first part of 1 John 3:5 and SINGULAR in the last part. The first refers to acts of sin, the second to His righteous character. The goal is that believers will share both the positional sanctification and progressive sanctification of Christ. Sin is an alien thing for Christ and His followers.
3:6 "No one who abides in Him sins" Like 1 John 3:4, this is another PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE and PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. This passage must be contrasted with 1 John 1:8-2:2 and 5:16. See full note on menō, translated "abide" or "remain" at 1 John 2:24.
SPECIAL TOPIC: "ABIDING" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
▣ "no one who sins has seen Him or knows Him" This verse has one PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE followed by two PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVES. Continual flagrant sinning reveals that one does not know Christ and has never known Christ. Sinning Christians
3:7 "make sure no one deceives you" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with the NEGATIVE PARTICLE, which usually means stop an act in process. The presence of false teachers (cf. 1 John 2:26) sets the historical situation for a proper theological understanding of 1 John as a whole and 1 John 1:7-10 and 3:4-10 in particular.
One of the major NT terms for "deceive" is planaō. Fallen humans are easily deceived but are still responsible for their choices. Deception can come from several sources.
▣ "the one who practices righteousness is righteous" The term "righteousness" is used here and in 2:29 as both
It refers to a state of being given to believers because of Christ's life and work. It is also meant to characterize the believer's life, because that new state of being is
Children ought to reflect the character of their parents!
This verse cannot be isolated from the general context and be used to advocate or condemn a doctrinal position (i.e., "works righteousness"). The NT is clear that human beings cannot approach the Holy God by their personal merit (cf. Eph. 2:8-9). Humans are not saved by self-effort. However, humans must respond to God's offer of salvation in the finished work of Christ. Our efforts do not bring us to God. They do show that we have met Him. They clearly reveal our spiritual condition (cf. Rev. 22:11) and maturity after salvation. We are not saved "by" good works, but "unto" good works. The goal of God's free gift in Christ is Christlike followers (cf. Eph.2:8-9,10). The ultimate will of God for every believer is not just heaven when he dies (forensic justification), but Christlikeness (temporal sanctification) now (cf. Matt. 5:48; Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 4:19)!
3:8 "the one who practices sin is of the devil" This is the PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. God's children are known by how they live, as are Satan's children (cf. 1 John 3:10; Matt. 7:13; Eph. 2:1-3).
▣ "for the devil has sinned from the beginning" This is PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The devil continues to sin from the beginning (cf. John 8:44). Does this refer to creation or an angelic rebellion?
It is difficult theologically to determine when Satan rebelled against God.
The origin and development of evil must remain an uncertainty because of the lack of revelation. Be careful of systematizing and dogmatizing isolated, ambiguous, figurative texts! The best discussion of the OT's development of Satan from servant to vile enemy is A. B. Davidson's Old Testament Theology, published by T & T Clark, pp. 300-306.
SPECIAL TOPIC: CREATION (physical and spiritual)
▣ "the Son of God" See SPECIAL TOPIC: THE SON OF GOD
▣ "appeared" This is the Greek term phaneroō, which means "to bring to light so as to make clear" (cf. 1 John 2:28). 1 John 3:5 and 8 are parallel and both use the term in the PASSIVE VOICE, which speaks of Christ being truly revealed in His incarnation (cf. 1 John 1:2). The problem with false teachers was not that the gospel was unclear to them, but that they had their own theological/philosophical agenda. They wanted to merge the gospel with Greek philosophical presuppositions.
SPECIAL TOPIC: NT TERMS FOR CHRIST'S RETURN
▣ "to destroy the works of the devil" The purpose of Jesus' manifestation in time and flesh was to "destroy" (AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE of luō), which means "to loose," "to unbind," or "to destroy." Jesus did just that on Calvary, but humans must respond to His finished work and free gift (cf. Rom. 3:24; 6:23; Eph. 2:8) by receiving Him by faith (cf. John 1:12; 3:16; Rom. 10:9-13).
The "already and not yet" tension of the NT also relates to the destruction of evil. The devil has been defeated, but he is still active in the world until the full consummation of the Kingdom of God.
3:9 "no one who is born of God" This is a PERFECT PASSIVE PARTICIPLE (cf. the parallel in 1 John 2:29; 3:9c; and 5:18 ) which speaks of a settled condition produced by an outside agent (God).
▣ "practices sin" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE in contradistinction to 1 John 2:1, where the AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE is used twice. There are two theories about the significance of this statement.
This theological distinction is illustrated in Romans 6 (potential sinlessness in Christ) and Romans 7 (the ongoing struggle of the believer sinning less).
The historical approach #1 seems best, but one is still left with the need to apply this truth to today, which #2 addresses. There is a good discussion of this difficult verse in Hard Sayings of the Bible by Walter Kaiser, Peter Davids, F. F. Bruce, and Manfred Brauch, pp. 736-739.
▣ "because His seed abides in him" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. There have been several theories as to exactly what the Greek phrase, "His seed," means
Number 4 is probably the best contextual option of all of these theories, but remember, John chose his vocabulary to refute the incipient Gnostics within the Christian community (i.e., #6).
3:10 This is a summary of 1 John 3:4-9. It contains two PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVES and two PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLES, which refer to action in process. Theologically this is parallel to Jesus' statement in the Sermon on the Mount (cf. Matt. 7:16-20). How one lives reveals one's heart, one's spiritual orientation.
This is the negative counterpoint to 1 John 2:29!
▣ "children of God. . .children of the devil" This shows John's Semitic background. Hebrew, being an ancient language with few ADJECTIVES, used "son of. . ." as an idiom to describe persons. For John there were only two options!
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHILDREN OF GOD
▣ "practice righteousness" In this verse righteousness is equated with love as "the" marker of a true believer! Here, it is put in a negative statement, as in 1 John 4:8,20.
?1 JOHN 3:11-12
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:11-12
11For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we
should love one another; 12not as Cain, who was of the evil one and slew his brother. And for what reason did he slay him?
Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous.
3:11 "the message" This Greek term aggelia is used only in 1 John 1:5 and 3:11. The first usage seems to be doctrinal, while the second is ethical. This is in keeping with John's balance between these two aspects of Christianity (cf. 1 John 1:8,10; 2:20,24; 3:14).
SPECIAL TOPIC: KERYGMA OF THE EARLY CHURCH
▣ "you have heard from the beginning" This phrase is a literary device which relates to Jesus as
In this context "the beginning" refers to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry (i.e., #2).
▣ "we should love one another" This often repeated theme is evidence by which believers know they are truly redeemed (cf. 1 John 3:10,14). It reflects Jesus' words (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 1 John 3:23; 4:7-8,11-12,19-21). This is one of the tests of 1 John which clearly reveals true believers from false believers!
3:12 "Cain" The account of Cain's life is recorded in Genesis 4. The exact reference is Gen. 4:4 (cf. Heb. 11:4), where the offerings of Cain and Abel are contrasted. Cain's actions reveal the influence of the fall of mankind (cf. Gen. 4:7; 6:5,11-12,13b). In both Jewish and Christian traditions (cf. Heb. 11:4; Jude 11) Cain is an example of wicked rebellion.
It is surprising to me that John never mentions "Adam" as a source of sin and rebellion, but "Cain." Paul
uses Adam theologically (cf. Rom. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:22,45; 2 Tim. 2:13,14) for the source of mankind's sin, while John never
mentions Adam but does mention Cain (cf. Heb. 11:4) as a person influenced by the devil (cf. John 8:44).
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FALL OF MANKIND
Genesiss 1-11 offers numerous examples of the rebellious nature of mankind.
▣ "who was of the evil one" This grammatical construction could be MASCULINE SINGULAR (the evil one, cf. 1 John 3:10) or NEUTER SINGULAR (of evil). This same grammatical ambiguity is found in Matt. 5:37; 6:13; 13:19,38; John 17:15; 2 Thess. 3:3; 1 John 2:13,14; 3:12; and 5:18-19. In several cases the context obviously refers to Satan (cf. Matt. 5:37; 13:38; John 17:15).
?1 JOHN 3:13-22
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:13-22
13Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you. 14We know that we have passed out of
death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death. 15Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer;
and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to
lay down our lives for the brethren. 17But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him,
how does the love of God abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth. 19We
will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him 20in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than
our heart and knows all things. 21Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 22and whatever
we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight.
3:13 "Do not be surprised" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE IMPERATIVE with a NEGATIVE PARTICLE which often means to stop an act already in progress (cf. 1 Pet. 4:12-16). This is not a fair world; this is not the world that God intended it to be!
▣ "brethren" It is obvious from the literary context that the aged Apostle is addressing the whole church in these comments. Therefore, "brethren" should be translated
▣ " if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which is assumed to be true from the author's perspective or for his literary purposes.
SPECIAL TOPIC: GREEK GRAMMATICAL TERMS, VII.
▣ "the world hates you" It hated Jesus; it will hate His followers. This is a common theme in the NT (cf. John 15:18-19; 17:14; Matt. 5:10-11; 2 Tim. 3:12) and another evidence that one is a believer.
3:14 "We know" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE (oida has PERFECT form, but PRESENT meaning). This is another common theme. God's children's confidence is related to their new loving attitudes and actions. Love is "the" marker of the new life in Christ (i.e., John 13:35).
▣ "we have passed out of death into life" This is another PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE (cf. John 5:24). One of the evidences of passing from death into life (i.e., Christian assurance is that we love one another. The other contextual evidence is that the world hates us (v. 13).
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE
▣ The VERB "have passed out" is used in several key NT texts.
In thie context there are three different words for "life."
SPECIAL TOPIC: LIFE (zoē) in Paul
▣ "because we love the brethren" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. Love is the major characteristic of the family of God (cf. John 13:34-35; 15:12,17; 2 John 5; 1 Cor. 13; Gal. 5:22) because it is characteristic of God, Himself (cf. 1 John 4:7-21). Love is not the basis of a human's relationship with God, but the result. Love is not the basis of salvation, but another evidence of it.
▣ "He who does not love abides in death" This is a PRESENT PARTICIPLE used as the SUBJECT with a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE VERB. As believers continue to abide in love, unbelievers abide in hate. Hate, like love, is an evidence of one's spiritual orientation. Remember John's stark, dualistic categories; one abides in love or abides in death. No middle ground.
3:15 "Everyone" John has used this term (pas) 8 times since 1 John 2:29. The significance of this is that there are no exceptions to what John is saying. There are only two kinds of people, lovers and haters. John sees life in black or white terms, no pastels.
▣ "Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE (i.e., an ongoing, settled hatred). This probably relates to Cain in v. 12, who was influenced by the evil one. Satan is characterized as a murderer from the beginning (cf. John 8:44). Sin occurs first in the thought life. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that hatred equals murder, as lust equals adultery (cf. Matt. 5:21-22).
▣ "and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him" This is not saying someone who commits murder cannot be a Christian. Sin is forgivable, but lifestyle actions reveal the heart. It is saying that one who habitually hates cannot be a Christian. Love and hate are mutually exclusive! Hate takes a life (i.e., Cain in v. 12), but love gives its life.
3:16 "We know" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. The Greek term used in 1 John 3:15 was oida; here it is ginōskō. These are used synonymously and often in John's writings.
▣ "love by this" Jesus has shown the ultimate example of what love is like. Believers are to emulate His example (cf. 2 Cor. 5:14-15).
▣ "He laid down His life for us" This is an AORIST TENSE referring to Calvary using Jesus' own words (cf. John 10:11,15,17,18; 15:13).
▣ "we ought" Believers are bound by Jesus' example (cf. 1 John 2:6; 4:11).
▣ "to lay down our lives for the brethren" Christ is the example (cf. 1 John 1:7). As He laid down His life for others, Christians are to lay down their lives if necessary for the brethren. Death to self-centeredness is
Mature Christians live for the health and growth of the Body.
3:17 "But whoever has the world's goods and sees his brother in need" These are PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE VERBS. Laying down one's life in 1 John 3:16 is now put into the realm of potential, practical help of one's brother. These verses sound so much like James (cf. James 2:15,16).
The term "world" (kosmos), in this context, refers to the physical human needs (i.e., security, food, shelter, clothing).
▣ "and closes his heart against him" This is an AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE. The term translated heart is literally "bowels," a Hebrew idiom for the emotions. Again, our actions reveal our Father.
SPECIAL TOPIC: INWARD PARTS, BOWELS
▣ "the love of God" Again is this an OBJECTIVE or SUBJUNCTIVE GENITIVE or purposeful ambiguity?
3:18 "let us not love with word or with tongue" Actions speak louder than words (cf. Luke 10:25-37; James 1:22-27; 2:11-26).
▣ "but in deed and truth" The term "truth" is surprising. One would expect a synonym of "deed," like "action." The term seems to mean genuine (NJB) or true (TEV), like the use of "message" in 1 John 1:5 and 3:11, which emphasizes both doctrine and lifestyle, so too, "truth." The deed and motives must both be motivated by self-giving love (God's love) and not just be showy deeds that feed the ego of the provider or giver.
3:19 "We will know by this" This refers to the loving acts previously mentioned. This is a FUTURE MIDDLE (deponent) INDICATIVE, which is another evidence of one's true conversion. 1 John is a series of evidences of true Christianity!
▣ "that we are of the truth" Believers' loving lifestyles show two things: (1) that they are on the side of "the" truth and (2) that their consciences are clear.
3:19-20 There is much confusion about how to translate the Greek text of these two verses.
3:20-21 Both of these verses are THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCES which denotes possible, even probable, action.
| 3:20 | |
| NASB | "in whatever our heart condemns us" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "for if our heart condemns us" |
| NRSV | "whenever our hearts condemn us" |
| TEV | "if our conscience condemns us" |
| NJB | "even if our own feelings condemn us" |
| REB | "where conscience condemns us" |
All believers have experienced inner grief over not living up to the "standard" that they know is God's will for their lives (i.e., Matthew 7; Romans 7; James). Those pains of conscience can be from God's Spirit (to cause repentance) or Satan (to cause self-destruction or loss of witness). There is both appropriate guilt and inappropriate guilt. Believers know the difference by reading God' word (or hearing His messengers). John is trying to console believers who are living by the standard of love but still struggling with sin (both commission and omission) as well as false teachers.
▣ "God is greater than our heart and knows all things" God knows our true motives (cf. 1 Sam. 2:3; 16:7; 1 Kgs. 8:39; 1 Chr. 28:9; 2 Chr. 6:30; Ps. 7:9; 44:21; Prov. 15:11; 20:27; 21:2; Jer. 11:20; 17:9-10; 20:12; Luke 16:15; Acts 1:24; 15:8; Rom. 8:26,27).
▣ "God is greater than our hearts" The phrase "God is greater" refers to
He fully knows us and, miracle of miracles, still loves us and wants us to be a part of His eternal family!
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD (OT)
SPECIAL TOPIC: FORGIVENESS IN THE OT
3:21 "Beloved"This title was used by the Father for Jesus
▣ "if our heart does not condemn us" This is a THIRD CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE. Christians still struggle with sin and self (cf. Eph. 4:14; 6:10-18; 1 John 2:1; 5:16-17). They still face temptations and act inappropriately in specific situations. Often their conscience condemns them. As the hymn "At Even, Ere the Sun Was Set," by Henry Twells states:
"And none, O Lord, has perfect rest,
For none is wholly free from sin;
And they who fain would serve Thee best
Are conscious most of wrong within."
A knowledge of the gospel, a sweet fellowship with Jesus, a yieldedness to the Spirit's leading and the Father's omniscience calm our hearts of dust (cf. Ps. 103:8-14)!
▣ "we have confidence before God" This speaks of open and free access to God's presence. It is an oft-repeated term and concept of John (cf. 1 John 2:28; 3:21; 4:17; 5:14; Heb. 3:6; 10:35. This phrase introduces two of the benefits of assurance.
SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRISTIAN ASSURANCE
3:22 "whatever we ask we receive from Him" This is a PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE and a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE. This reflects Jesus' statements in Matt. 7:7; 18:19, John 9:31; 14:13-14; 15:7,16; 16:23; Mark 11:24; Luke 11:9-10. These Scripture promises are so different from believer's experience in prayer. This verse seems to promise unlimited answered prayer. This is where a comparison of other relevant texts helps bring a theological balance. See the Special Topics below.
SPECIAL TOPIC: PRAYER, UNLIMITED YET LIMITED
SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER
▣ "because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight" Notice in this context the two requirements for answered prayer.
1 John is a "how to" book on effective Christian living and ministry.
SPECIAL TOPIC: "COMMANDMENT" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
?1 JOHN 3:23-24
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1 JOHN 3:23-24
23This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son
Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. 24The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and
He in him. We know by this that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.
3:23 "This is His commandment. . .that we believe. . .and love" Notice the term "commandment" is SINGULAR with two aspects. The first aspect is personal faith; the VERB, "believe," is AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE (cf. John 6:29,40). The second aspect is ethical; the VERB, love, is in the PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVE (cf. 1 John 3:11; 4:7). The gospel is a message to be believed, a person to receive, and a lifestyle to live!
SPECIAL TOPIC: COMMANDMENTS IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
▣ "that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ" The concept of "believe" is crucial in understanding biblical faith. The OT term aman reflected "loyalty," "trustworthiness," "dependability," or "faithfulness."
In the NT the Greek term (pisteuō) is translated by three different English terms: believe, faith, or trust. The term does not so much reflect on the Christian's trustworthiness as on God's trustworthiness! It is His character, revelation, and promises, not the loyalty or faithfulness of fallen humans, even redeemed fallen humans, that form the unshakable foundation! Believers' faith, God's faithfulness, trust God's trustworthiness!
The concept of believing in "the name" or praying "in the name" reflects the Near Eastern understanding that the name represents the person.
Just a brief technical note on this verse. In his Word Pictures in the New Testament (p. 228), A. T. Robertson mentions a Greek manuscript problem relating to the VERB "believe." The Greek uncial manuscripts B, K, and L have AORIST ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES (initial faith response), while א, A, and C have PRESENT ACTIVE SUBJUNCTIVES (a lifestyle faith response). Both fit the context and style of John.
SPECIAL TOPIC: BELIEVE, TRUST, FAITH AND FAITHFULNESS IN THE OT
SPECIAL TOPIC: JOHN'S USE OF THE VERB "BELIEVE"
▣ "Jesus Christ" See SPECIAL TOPIC: CHRIST JESUS AS LORD
3:24 "The one who keeps. . .abides. . ." These are both PRESENT TENSE. Obedience is linked to abiding. Love is evidence that we are in God and God is in us (cf. 1 John 4:12,15-16; John 14:23; 15:10).
SPECIAL TOPIC: "ABIDING" IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
▣ "by the Spirit whom He has given us" John uses certain evidences to evaluate true believers (cf. Rom. 4:13; 8:14-16, see Contextual Insights to 2:3-27, C). Two are related to the Holy Spirit.
SPECIAL TOPIC: PERSONHOOD OF THE SPIRIT
SPECIAL TOPIC: CONFESSION/PROFESSION
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
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