1 John 4

“THE FIRST EPISTLE OF JOHN”

Chapter Four John cautions his readers not to believe everyone who claims to be led by the Spirit, but to test them (1 John 4:1-6). He then exhorts them to manifest brotherly love in keeping with the character and example of God’ s love as demonstrated in the sacrifice of His Son (1 John 4:7-21).

POINTS TO PONDER

• Distinguishing the spirit of truth from the spirit of error

• How God’ s love should impact our love for one another

REVIEW

1. What are the main points of this chapter?- Test the spirits - 1 John 4:1-6- God is love - 1 John 4:7-21

2. Why should one not believe every spirit? (1 John 4:1)- Because there are many false prophets

3. If one is truly led by the Spirit of God, what will they confess? (1 John 4:2)- That Jesus Christ has come in the flesh

4. What did John say about the coming of Antichrist? (1 John 4:3)- It was already in the world at the time John was writing

5. What did John write about their ability to overcome? (1 John 4:4)- He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world

6. How does one discern between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error? (1 John 4:6)- By whoever listens to the apostles (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37; 1 Thessalonians 2:13)

7. Why should we love one another? (1 John 4:7-8)- Love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God

8. How was God’ s love for us manifested? (1 John 4:9-10)- By sending His Son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins

9. How can we ensure that God will abide in us? (1 John 4:12-16)- By loving one another

10. When we love one another as we should, what does it give us? (1 John 4:17-18)- Boldness in the day of judgment; i.e., no fear

11. If we claim to love God, but hate our brother, what does that make us? Why? (1 John 4:20)- Liars; if we do not love someone we’ ve seen, how can we love Him we’ ve not seen?

1 John 4:1

1 John 4:11 John 4:1 αγαπητοιG27 BELOVED μηG3361 NOT παντιG3956 EVERY πνευματιG4151 SPIRIT πιστευετεG4100 [G5720] BELIEVE αλλαG235 BUT δοκιμαζετεG1381 [G5720] PROVE ταG3588 THE πνευματαG4151 SPIRITS, ειG1487 IF εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εστινG2076 [G5748] THEY ARE οτιG3754 BECAUSE πολλοιG4183 MANY ψευδοπροφηταιG5578 FALSE εξεληλυθασινG1831 [G5758] HAVE GONE OUT ειςG1519 INTO τονG3588 THE κοσμονG2889 WORLDbelieve not: Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Proverbs 14:15, Jeremiah 5:31, Jeremiah 29:8, Jeremiah 29:9, Matthew 7:15, Matthew 7:16, Matthew 24:4, Matthew 24:5, Romans 16:18, 2 Peter 2:1 try: Luke 12:57, Acts 17:11, Romans 16:19, 1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, Revelation 2:2 many: 1 John 2:18, Matthew 24:5, Matthew 24:23-26, Mark 13:21, Luke 21:8, Acts 20:29, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:13, 2 Peter 2:1, 2 John 1:7 Leviticus 13:34 - the seventh Deuteronomy 13:3 - hearken Deuteronomy 18:21 - General 1 Kings 13:18 - But Nehemiah 6:12 - God had Job 26:4 - whose spirit Proverbs 19:27 - General Isaiah 9:15 - the prophet Jeremiah 23:16 - Hearken Jeremiah 27:14 - they Daniel 11:34 - cleave Micah 2:11 - a man Zephaniah 3:4 - light Zechariah 13:2 - cause Matthew 13:47 - and gathered Matthew 24:11 - General Mark 4:24 - Take Mark 13:5 - Take Mark 13:6 - many John 6:45 - Every John 8:47 - General John 10:1 - He John 16:14 - glorify Acts 13:6 - a false 1 Corinthians 2:15 - judgeth 1 Corinthians 12:10 - discerning 1 Corinthians 14:32 - General 2 Corinthians 2:17 - which 2 Corinthians 11:3 - so 2 Corinthians 11:13 - false Galatians 1:7 - pervert Galatians 2:4 - because Ephesians 4:14 - tossed Ephesians 5:6 - no Philippians 1:10 - approve things that are excellent Philippians 4:8 - think Colossians 2:4 - lest Colossians 2:18 - no 2 Thessalonians 2:2 - by spirit 1 Timothy 3:10 - let these 2 Timothy 3:8 - resist Titus 1:10 - there Hebrews 13:9 - carried 1 John 4:6 - Hereby Revelation 16:13 - three1 John 4:1 The spirits means those men who profess to be speaking by inspiration, such as John mentions in the closing verse of the preceding chapter. The false teachers used that claim to obtain attention from the un­informed. The brethren are warned not to believe every man who makes such a claim, but first try them which means to test and examine them by the rule that is given in the next verse. Believe not every spirit (mη panti pneumati pisteuete). “Stop believing,” as some were clearly carried away by the spirits of error rampant among them, both Docetic and Cerinthian Gnostics. Credulity means gullibility and some believers fall easy victims to the latest fads in spiritualistic humbuggery. ——————————————————————————– Prove the spirits (dokimazete ta pneumata). Put them to the acid test of truth as the metallurgist does his metals.

If it stands the test like a coin, it is acceptable (dokimos, 2 Corinthians 10:18), otherwise it is rejected (adokimos, 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7). ——————————————————————————– Many false prophets (polloi pseudoprophηtai). Jesus had warned people against them (Matthew 7:15), even when they as false Christs work portents (Matthew 24:11; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22). It is an old story (Luke 6:26) and recurs again and again (Acts 13:6; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10) along with false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). ——————————————————————————– Are gone out (exelηluthasin). Perfect active indicative of exerchomai. Cf. aorist in 1 John 2:19. They are abroad always. Beloved (agapηtoi). Three times in this chapter (1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11) we have this tender address on love. ——————————————————————————– Believe not every spirit (mη panti pneumati pisteuete). “Stop believing,” as some were clearly carried away by the spirits of error rampant among them, both Docetic and Cerinthian Gnostics. Credulity means gullibility and some believers fall easy victims to the latest fads in spiritualistic humbuggery. ——————————————————————————– Prove the spirits (dokimazete ta pneumata). Put them to the acid test of truth as the metallurgist does his metals. If it stands the test like a coin, it is acceptable (dokimos, 2 Corinthians 10:18), otherwise it is rejected (adokimos, 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 13:5-7). ——————————————————————————– Many false prophets (polloi pseudoprophηtai). Jesus had warned people against them (Matthew 7:15), even when they as false Christs work portents (Matthew 24:11; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22).

It is an old story (Luke 6:26) and recurs again and again (Acts 13:6; Revelation 16:13; Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10) along with false teachers (2 Peter 2:1). ——————————————————————————– Are gone out (exelηluthasin). Perfect active indicative of exerchomai. Cf. aorist in 1 John 2:19. They are abroad always.

1 John 4:2

2

1 John 4:21 John 4:2 ενG1722 BY τουτωG5129 THIS γινωσκετεG1097 [G5719] [G5720] YE KNOW τοG3588 THE πνευμαG4151 τουG3588 SPIRIT θεουG2316 OF GOD πανG3956 EVERY πνευμαG4151 SPIRIT οG3739 WHICH ομολογειG3670 [G5719] ιησουνG2424 JESUS χριστονG5547 CHRIST ενG1722 IN σαρκιG4561 FLESH εληλυθοταG2064 [G5756] COME, εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εστινG2076 [G5748] IS Every: 1 John 5:1, John 16:13-15, 1 Corinthians 12:3 come: 1 John 4:3, John 1:14, 1 Timothy 3:16 Zechariah 13:2 - cause John 12:42 - they did not Romans 1:3 - according Romans 10:9 - That if Galatians 4:4 - made Philippians 2:11 - every Colossians 2:18 - no 2 Thessalonians 2:2 - by spirit Hebrews 9:11 - Christ Hebrews 10:5 - but Hebrews 10:20 - his 1 John 4:15 - confess 1 John 5:20 - we know 2 John 1:7 - who1 John 4:2 Nobody denied that a per­son lived on earth by the name of Jesus Christ, but some denied that He was divine in a body of flesh. That was equivalent to saying that He was not the divine Son of God. That would also mean that Christ had no authority or saving virtue. It was generally known that a person was predicted to come into the world to fulfill the law and the prophets, and to effect a plan of salvation on the merits of His blood. But it was denied by some that the person known as Jesus Christ was the expected one. Hence if a man ac­knowledged the divinity of Christ it was evidence that he was inspired by the Holy Spirit. Paul teaches this also in 1 Corinthians 12:3 where he says. “ No man can say Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” or Spirit. Hereby know ye (en toutτi ginτskete). Either present active indicative or imperative. The test of “the Spirit of God” (to pneuma tou theou) here alone in this Epistle, save 1 John 4:13. With the clamour of voices then and now this is important. The test (en toutτi, as in 1 John 3:19) follows. ——————————————————————————– That Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (Iηsoun Christon en sarki elηluthota). The correct text (perfect active participle predicate accusative), not the infinitive (elηluthenai, B Vg).

The predicate participle (see John 9:22 for predicate accusative with homologeτ) describes Jesus as already come in the flesh (his actual humanity, not a phantom body as the Docetic Gnostics held). See this same idiom in 2 John 1:7 with erchomenon (coming). A like test is proposed by Paul for confessing the deity of Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 12:3 and for the Incarnation and Resurrection of Jesus in Romans 10:6-10.

1 John 4:3

1 John 4:31 John 4:3 καιG2532 AND πανG3956 ANY πνευμαG4151 SPIRIT οG3739 WHICH μηG3361 ομολογειG3670 [G5719] τονG3588 NOT ιησουνG2424 JESUS χριστονG5547 CHRIST ενG1722 IN σαρκιG4561 FLESH εληλυθοταG2064 [G5756] COME, εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD ουκG3756 NOT εστινG2076 [G5748] IS καιG2532 AND τουτοG5124 THIS εστινG2076 [G5748] IS τοG3588 THAT “POWER” τουG3588 OF THE αντιχριστουG500 , οG3739 “OF” WHICH ακηκοατεG191 [G5754] YE HEARD οτιG3754 THAT ερχεταιG2064 [G5736] IT COMES, καιG2532 AND νυνG3568 NOW ενG1722 IN τωG3588 THE κοσμωG2889 WORLD εστινG2076 [G5748] IS IT ηδηG2235 ALREADYand this: 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 2 Thessalonians 2:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:8, 2 John 1:7 John 1:14 - the Word Romans 1:3 - according Romans 10:9 - That if 1 Corinthians 12:3 - no man Hebrews 5:7 - the Hebrews 9:11 - Christ Hebrews 10:5 - but 1 John 3:10 - Isaiah 1 John 4:2 - come1 John 4:3 This verse merely sets forth the opposite of the preceding one, and completes the rule by which the breth­ren may try the spirits, thus avoiding the misfortune of being misled by the antichrists and other false teachers. Beloved (agapηtoi). Three times in this chapter (1 John 4:1; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11) we have this tender address on love. ——————————————————————————– Confesseth not (mη homologei). Indefinite relative clause with the subjective negative mη rather than the usual objective negative ou (1 John 4:6). It is seen also in 2 Peter 1:9; Titus 1:11, a survival of the literary construction (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 171). The Vulgate (along with Irenaeus, Tertullian, Augustine) reads solvit (luei) instead of mη homologei, which means “separates Jesus,” apparently an allusion to the Cerinthian heresy (distinction between Jesus and Christ) as the clause before refers to the Docetic heresy. Many MSS. have here also en sarki elηluthota repeated from preceding clause, but not A B Vg Cop. and not genuine. ——————————————————————————– The spirit of the antichrist (to tou antichristou).

Pneuma (spirit) not expressed, but clearly implied by the neuter singular article to. It is a repetition of the point about antichrists made in 1 John 2:18-25. ——————————————————————————– Whereof (ho). Accusative of person (grammatical neuter referring to pneuma) with akouτ along with accusative of the thing (hoti erchetai, as in 1 John 2:18, futuristic present middle indicative). Here the perfect active indicative (akηkoate), while in 1 John 2:18 the aorist (ηkousate). ——————————————————————————– And now already (kai nun ηdη). As in 1 John 2:18 also (many have come). “The prophecy had found fulfilment before the Church had looked for it” (Westcott). It is often so.

For ηdη see John 4:35; John 9:27

1 John 4:4

1 John 4:41 John 4:4 υμειςG5210 YE εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εστεG2075 [G5748] ARE, τεκνιαG5040 LITTLE , καιG2532 AND νενικηκατεG3528 [G5758] HAVE αυτουςG846 THEM, οτιG3754 BECAUSE μειζωνG3187 GREATER εστινG2076 [G5748] IS οG3588 HE WHO “IS” ενG1722 IN υμινG5213 YOU ηG2228 THAN οG3588 HE WHO “IS” ενG1722 IN τωG3588 THE κοσμωG2889 WORLD. are: 1 John 4:6, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:9, 1 John 3:10, 1 John 5:19 and have: 1 John 2:13, 1 John 5:4, Romans 8:37, Ephesians 6:10, Ephesians 6:13, Revelation 12:11 greater: 1 John 4:13, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:24, John 10:28-30, John 14:17-23, John 17:23, Romans 8:10, Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 6:13, 2 Corinthians 6:16, Ephesians 3:17 than: 1 John 5:19,*Gr: John 12:31, John 14:30, John 16:11, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 2:2, Ephesians 6:12 Exodus 7:12 - but Aaron’s Deuteronomy 13:3 - proveth 2 Kings 6:16 - they that be 2 Chronicles 32:7 - for there 2 Chronicles 32:8 - an arm Psalms 17:14 - men of Psa 55:18 - there Isaiah 8:10 - for God Matthew 12:29 - General Matthew 12:44 - my Mark 3:27 - General Mark 10:24 - Children Luke 8:32 - besought Luke 11:22 - General John 13:33 - Little John 14:23 - make John 15:19 - were of the world John 16:33 - I Romans 8:9 - if so be Romans 8:31 - If Romans 12:2 - be not Colossians 1:27 - Christ 1 John 1:10 - his word 1 John 3:20 - God Revelation 3:12 - overcometh Revelation 9:11 - they had1 John 4:4 The disciples had overcome them (the antichrists) because they were the children of God. He will care for those who trust in Him, and that will insure them the victory over the enemy because God who is in them is greater than the “ wise men” of the world who were trying to seduce them. Have overcome them (nenikηkate autous). Perfect active indicative of nikaτ, calm confidence of final victory as in 1 John 2:13; John 16:33. The reference in autous (them) is to the false prophets in 1 John 4:1. ——————————————————————————– Because (hoti). The reason for the victory lies in God, who abides in them (1 John 3:20; 1 John 3:24; John 14:20; John 15:4-5). God is greater than Satan, “he that is in the world” (ho en tτi kosmτi), the prince of this world (John 12:31; John 14:30), the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4), powerful as he seems.

1 John 4:5

5

1 John 4:51 John 4:5 αυτοιG846 THEY εκG1537 OF τουG3588 THE κοσμουG2889 WORLD εισινG1526 [G5748] ARE; διαG1223 BECAUSE OF τουτοG5124 THIS εκG1537 OF τουG3588 TH κοσμουG2889 WORLD λαλουσινG2980 [G5719] THEY TALK, καιG2532 AND οG3588 THE κοσμοςG2889 WORLD αυτωνG846 THEM ακουειG191 [G5719] HEA are: Psalms 17:4, Luke 16:8, John 3:31, John 7:6, John 7:7, John 8:23, John 15:19, John 15:20, John 17:14, John 17:16, Revelation 12:9 and: Isaiah 30:10, Isaiah 30:11, Jeremiah 5:31, Jeremiah 29:8, Micah 2:11, John 15:19, John 17:14, 2 Timothy 4:3, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 2:3 Nehemiah 6:19 - they reported Psalms 17:14 - men of Pro 17:4 - General Proverbs 28:4 - that Daniel 11:34 - cleave Hosea 7:3 - General Luke 6:26 - when John 10:5 - General Acts 17:11 - and searched Romans 12:2 - be not 1 Corinthians 2:12 - not 1 Corinthians 5:10 - of this 1 John 2:15 - Love not 1 John 5:19 - and the1 John 4:5 They (the antichrists) are of the world, which means they are interested in worldly practices. That is why they are opposing Christ be­cause he condemns their evil ways. But the people of the world will hear their false teaching because it en­courages their unrighteous life. Of the world (ek tou kosmou). As Jesus is not and as the disciples are not (John 17:14 ff.). ——————————————————————————– As of the world (ek tou kosmou). No “as” (hτs), but that is the idea, for their talk proceeds from the world and wins a ready hearing. The false prophets and the world are in perfect unison

1 John 4:6

1 John 4:61 John 4:6 ημειςG2249 WE εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εσμενG2070 [G5748] ARE : οG3588 HE THAT γινωσκωνG1097 [G5723] τονG3588 KNOWS θεονG2316 GOD, ακουειG191 [G5719] HEARS ημωνG2257 US; οςG3739 HE THAT ουκG3756 εστινG2076 [G5748] IS NOT εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD, ουκG3756 ακουειG191 [G5719] HEARS NOT ημωνG2257 US. εκG1537 BY τουτουG5127 THIS γινωσκομενG1097 [G5719] WE KNOW τοG3588 THE πνευμαG4151 τηςG3588 IT αληθειαςG225 OF TRUTH καιG2532 AND τοG3588 THE πνευμαG4151 τηςG3588 SPIRIT πλανηςG4106 OF ERROR.We are: 1 John 4:4, Micah 3:8, Romans 1:1, 1 Corinthians 2:12-14, 2 Peter 3:2, Jude 1:17 he that knoweth: 1 John 4:8, Luke 10:22, John 8:19, John 8:45-50, John 10:27, John 13:20, John 18:37, John 20:21, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Corinthians 10:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:8 Hereby: 1 John 4:1, Isaiah 8:20 the spirit of truth: John 14:17, John 15:26 and: Isaiah 29:10, Hosea 4:12, Micah 2:11, Romans 11:8, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 1 Kings 22:22 - a lying spirit 2 Chronicles 18:21 - General Hosea 2:20 - and Luke 6:26 - when John 8:23 - ye are of Joh 10:5 - General John 10:26 - because John 16:13 - Spirit John 17:3 - this John 17:14 - they Acts 17:11 - and searched 1 John 3:10 - Isaiah 1 John 4:12 - love one 1 John 5:18 - whosoever1 John 4:6 We has special reference to John and the other apostles because they had been inspired to write the truth. To know God means to have come into close fellowship with Him by obedience to the word that was given by the Spirit. All such persons would logically be inclined to hear the apostles. The conflict between truth and error still is the concern of the apostle. That conflict is determined by whether a man is of God or of the world. We (hηmeis). In sharp contrast with the false prophets and the world. We are in tune with the Infinite God. Hence “he that knoweth God” (ho ginτskτn ton theon, present active articular participle, the one who keeps on getting acquainted with God, growing in his knowledge of God) “hears us” (akouei hηmτn). This is one reason why sermons are dull (some actually are, others so to dull hearers) or inspiring. There is a touch of mysticism here, to be sure, but the heart of Christianity is mysticism (spiritual contact with God in Christ by the Holy Spirit).

John states the same idea negatively by a relative clause parallel with the preceding articular participle, the negative with both clauses. John had felt the cold, indifferent, and hostile stare of the worldling as he preached Jesus. ——————————————————————————– By this (ek toutou). “From this,” deduction drawn from the preceding; only example in the Epistle for the common en toutτi as in 1 John 4:2. The power of recognition (ginτskomen, we know by personal experience) belongs to all believers (Westcott). There is no reason for Christians being duped by “the spirit of error” (to pneuma tηs planηs), here alone in the N.T., though we have pneumasin planois (misleading spirits) in 1 Timothy 4:1. Rejection of the truth may be due also to our not speaking the truth in love (Ephes. 4:15).

1 John 4:7

1 John 4:71 John 4:7 αγαπητοιG27 BELOVED, αγαπωμενG25 [G5725] WE SHOULD LOVE αλληλουςG240 ONE ANOTHER; οτιG3754 ηG3588 BECAUSE αγαπηG26 LOVE εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εστινG2076 [G5748] IS, καιG2532 AND παςG3956 οG3588 THAT αγαπωνG25 [G5723] LOVES, εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD γεγεννηταιG1080 [G5769] HAS BEEN , καιG2532 AND γινωσκειG1097 [G5719] τονG3588 KNOWS θεονG2316 GOD. let: 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21, 1 John 2:10, 1 John 3:10-23, 1 John 5:1 love is: 1 John 4:8, Deuteronomy 30:6, Galatians 5:22, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:10, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Peter 1:22 every: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 2:29, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 5:1 and knoweth: John 17:3, 2 Corinthians 4:6, Galatians 4:9 Genesis 13:8 - brethren Psalms 26:3 - For Psalms 34:8 - Lord Psalms 52:1 - goodness Matthew 22:40 - General Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Mark 12:31 - Thou Luke 6:35 - and ye John 1:13 - were John 13:34 - That ye love John 15:13 - General 1 Corinthians 5:10 - of this 1 Corinthians 13:13 - charity 1 Corinthians 16:14 - General Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 3:14 - the 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - love 1 Timothy 1:5 - the end Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:3 - hath 1 John 3:9 - born 1 John 3:11 - that we 1 John 3:24 - dwelleth 2 John 1:5 - that we1 John 4:7 The apostle again comes to the subject of love which seems to have been very near to him. He has a sound reason for such interest in that subject, namely, love and God are in­separable. For that reason if a man is born (begotten) of God he is sure to exhibit love also since it is the family trait of God’ s children. Of God (ek tou theou). Even human love comes from God, “a reflection of something in the Divine nature itself” (Brooke). John repeats the old commandment of 1 John 2:7-8. Persistence in loving (present tense agapτmen indicative and agapτn participle) is proof that one “has been begotten of God” (ek tou theou gegennηtai as in 1 John 2:29) and is acquainted with God. Otherwise mere claim to loving God accompanied by hating one’s brother is a lie (1 John 2:9-11).

1 John 4:8

8

1 John 4:81 John 4:7 αγαπητοιG27 BELOVED, αγαπωμενG25 [G5725] WE SHOULD LOVE αλληλουςG240 ONE ANOTHER; οτιG3754 ηG3588 BECAUSE αγαπηG26 LOVE εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD εστινG2076 [G5748] IS, καιG2532 AND παςG3956 οG3588 THAT αγαπωνG25 [G5723] LOVES, εκG1537 τουG3588 OF θεουG2316 GOD γεγεννηταιG1080 [G5769] HAS BEEN , καιG2532 AND γινωσκειG1097 [G5719] τονG3588 KNOWS θεονG2316 GOD. knoweth: 1 John 2:4, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 3:6, John 8:54, John 8:55 God is: 1 John 1:5, Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7, Psalms 86:5, Psalms 86:15, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Ephesians 2:4, Hebrews 12:29 Psalms 52:1 - goodness Nahum 1:7 - Lord Zechariah 9:17 - how great is his goodness Matthew 19:17 - there Mark 10:18 - that is Mark 12:31 - Thou John 16:3 - because 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have 1 Corinthians 16:14 - General Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort James 2:13 - and 1 John 3:10 - neither 1 John 3:14 - because 1 John 4:6 - he that knoweth 1 John 4:7 - love Isaiah 1 John 4:10 - Herein 1 John 4:16 - God is love1 John 4:8 On the basis of the affirma­tive as shown in the preceding verse, if a man does not have love as a pre­dominant factor in his life, it is proof that he has not yet become acquainted with God. He that loveth not (ho mη agapτn). Present active articular participle of agapaτ “keeps on not loving.” —————————————————————————–=— Knoweth not God (ouk egnτ ton theon). Timeless aorist active indicative of ginτskτ, has no acquaintance with God, never did get acquainted with him. ——————————————————————————– God is love (ho theos agapη estin). Anarthrous predicate, not hη agapη. John does not say that love is God, but only that God is love. The two terms are not interchangeable. God is also light (1 John 1:5) and spirit (John 4:24).

1 John 4:9

1 John 4:91 John 4:9 ενG1722 IN τουτωG5129 THIS εφανερωθηG5319 [G5681] WAS ηG3588 THE αγαπηG26 τουG3588 LOVE θεουG2316 OF GOD ενG1722 AS TO ημινG2254 US, οτιG3754 THAT τονG3588 υιονG5207 αυτουG846 HIS SON τονG3588 THE μονογενηG3439 ONLY απεσταλκενG649 [G5758] οG3588 HAS SENT θεοςG2316 GOD ειςG1519 INTO τονG3588 THE κοσμονG2889 WORLD, ιναG2443 THAT ζησωμενG2198 [G5661] WE MIGHT LIVE διG1223 THROUGH αυτουG846 HIMwas: 1 John 3:16, John 3:16, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:32 God sent: 1 John 4:10, Luke 4:18, John 5:23, John 6:29, John 8:29, John 8:42 only: Psalms 2:7, Mark 12:6, John 1:14-18, John 3:18, Hebrews 1:5 we: 1 John 5:11, John 6:51, John 6:57, John 10:10, John 10:28-30, John 11:25, John 11:26, John 14:6, Colossians 3:3, Colossians 3:4 Genesis 22:2 - Take Genesis 22:12 - seeing Exodus 40:6 - General Leviticus 4:31 - a sweet Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Deuteronomy 15:15 - General Psalms 36:7 - How Psalms 47:4 - whom Psalms 86:5 - thou Proverbs 8:24 - I was Isaiah 53:10 - he hath Isaiah 63:9 - in his Zechariah 2:8 - sent Zechariah 13:7 - smite Mark 9:7 - This Luke 1:78 - tender Luke 2:14 - good Luke 19:10 - General Luke 20:13 - I will John 1:18 - the only John 1:34 - this John 7:29 - for John 10:36 - sent John 11:36 - Behold John 11:42 - that thou Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 5:15 - and the gift Romans 8:39 - love 2 Corinthians 5:15 - that they 2 Corinthians 9:15 - his Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 4:4 - God Ephesians 3:19 - to know Colossians 1:20 - having made peace 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - which 1 Timothy 1:15 - that Hebrews 1:6 - And again Hebrews 2:9 - by 1 Peter 1:20 - but 1 John 3:5 - he 1 John 4:16 - we1 John 4:9 This verse corresponds with John 3:16. Was manifested (ephanerτthη). First aorist passive indicative of phaneroτ. The Incarnation as in 1 John 3:5. Subjective genitive as in 1 John 2:5. ——————————————————————————– In us (en hηmin). In our case, not “among us” nor “to us.” Cf. Galatians 1:16. ———————————————————————– —— Hath sent (apestalken).

Perfect active indicative of apostellτ, as again in 1 John 4:14, the permanent mission of the Son, though in 1 John 4:10 the aorist apesteilen occurs for the single event. See John 3:16 for this great idea. ——————————————————————————– Luke 9:38) to others. Jesus alone completely reproduces the nature and character of God (Brooke). ——————————————————————————– That we might live through him (hina zηsτmen di’ autou). Purpose clause with hina and the first aorist (ingressive, get life) active subjunctive of zaτ. “Through him” is through Christ, who is the life (John 14:6). Christ also lives in us (Galatians 2:20). This life begins here and now.

1 John 4:10

0

1 John 4:101 John 4:10 ενG1722 IN τουτωG5129 THIS εστινG2076 [G5748] ηG3588 IS αγαπηG26 LOVE, ουχG3756 NOT οτιG3754 THAT ημειςG2249 WE ηγαπησαμενG25 [G5656] τονG3588 LOVED θεονG2316 GOD, αλλG235 BUT οτιG3754 THAT αυτοςG846 HE ηγαπησενG25 [G5656] LOVED ημαςG2248 US, καιG2532 AND απεστειλενG649 [G5656] τονG3588 SENT υιονG5207 SON αυτουG846 HIS ιλασμονG2434 A περιG4012 FOR τωνG3588 αμαρτιωνG266 ημωνG2257 OUR SINSHerein: 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:9, 1 John 3:1 not: 1 John 4:19, Deuteronomy 7:7, Deuteronomy 7:8, John 15:16, Romans 5:8-10, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 5:19-21, Ephesians 2:4, Ephesians 2:5, Titus 3:3-5 and sent: 1 John 2:2, Daniel 9:24, Romans 3:25, Romans 3:26, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 3:18 Genesis 22:2 - Take Genesis 22:12 - seeing Exodus 40:6 - General Leviticus 4:31 - a sweet Leviticus 4:35 - and the priest shall make Leviticus 23:28 - General Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Psalms 36:7 - How Psalms 47:4 - whom Isaiah 9:6 - unto us a son Isaiah 53:10 - he hath Isaiah 63:9 - in his Isaiah 64:4 - have not Zechariah 2:8 - sent Zechariah 13:7 - smite Matthew 7:11 - how Mark 9:7 - This Luke 1:78 - tender Luke 2:14 - good Luke 10:37 - Go John 1:29 - which John 3:12 - heavenly John 3:16 - God John 8:42 - neither John 11:36 - Behold John 11:42 - that thou Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 4:25 - Who was Romans 5:15 - and the gift Romans 8:28 - them Romans 8:32 - that Romans 8:37 - him Romans 8:39 - love 2 Corinthians 5:18 - who 2 Corinthians 9:15 - his Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 3:13 - redeemed Galatians 4:4 - God Ephesians 1:7 - whom Colossians 1:20 - having made peace 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - which 1 Timothy 1:14 - with 1 Timothy 1:15 - that 1 Timothy 2:6 - gave Hebrews 2:9 - by James 1:17 - good 1 Peter 1:20 - but 1 John 3:16 - perceive 1 John 4:14 - the Father 1 John 4:16 - we 1 John 5:6 - blood 2 John 1:3 - the Son Revelation 1:5 - him1 John 4:10 The example of love was set by the Father and not by man. That is why we have the brief but comprehensive statement in 1 John 4:19. Not that (ouch hoti) — but that (all’ hoti). Sharp contrast as in John 7:22; 2 Corinthians 7:9; Philippians 4:17. ——————————————————————————– We loved (ηgapηsamen). First aorist active indicative, but B reads ηgapηkamen (perfect active, we have loved). ——————————————————————————– He (autos). Emphatic nominative (God). ——————————————————————————– To be the propitiation (hilasmon). Merely predicate accusative in apposition with huion (Son). For the word see 1 John 2:2; Romans 3:25 for hilastηrion, and for peri see also 1 John 2:2.

1 John 4:11

1 John 4:111 John 4:11 αγαπητοιG27 BELOVED, ειG1487 IF ουτωςG3779 οG3588 SO θεοςG2316 GOD ηγαπησενG25 [G5656] LOVED ημαςG2248 US, καιG2532 ALSO ημειςG2249 WE οφειλομενG3784 [G5719] OUGHT αλληλουςG240 ONE ANOTHER αγαπανG25 [G5721] TO LOVE1 John 3:16, 1 John 3:17, 1 John 3:23, Matthew 18:32, Matthew 18:33, Luke 10:37, John 13:34, John 15:12, John 15:13, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Ephesians 4:31, Ephesians 4:32, Ephesians 5:1, Ephesians 5:2, Colossians 3:13 Deuteronomy 24:22 - General Romans 12:10 - kindly 1 Corinthians 13:4 - is kind 1 John 2:8 - which 1 John 4:21 - General1 John 4:11 If God was willing to love us first even when we were in sin, we ought to love each other since no one of us is any more worthy than another. If God so loved us (ei houtτs ho theos ηgapηsen hηmas). Condition of first class with ei and the first aorist active indicative. As in John 3:16, so here houtτs emphasises the manifestation of God’s love both in its manner and in its extent (Romans 8:32). ——————————————————————————– Ought (opheilomen). As in 1 John 2:6. Noblesse oblige. “Keep on loving,” (agapβin) as in 1 John 3:11.

1 John 4:12

1 John 4:121 John 4:12 θεονG2316 GOD ουδειςG3762 NO ONE πωποτεG4455 AT ANY TIME τεθεαταιG2300 [G5766] HAS SEEN; εανG1437 IF αγαπωμενG25 [G5725] WE SHOULD LOVE αλληλουςG240 οG3588 ONE ANOTHER, θεοςG2316 GOD ενG1722 IN ημινG2254 US μενειG3306 [G5719] ABIDES, καιG2532 AND ηG3588 αγαπηG26 αυτουG846 HIS LOVE τετελειωμενηG5048 [G5772] εστινG2076 [G5748] IS ενG1722 IN ημινG2254 USseen: 1 John 4:20, Genesis 32:30, Exodus 33:20, Numbers 12:8, John 1:18, 1 Timothy 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:16, Hebrews 11:27 love one: 1 John 4:6, 1 John 3:24 and his: 1 John 4:17, 1 John 4:18, 1 John 2:5, 1 Corinthians 13:13 Exodus 24:10 - saw Psalms 31:2 - an house John 3:21 - that his John 5:37 - Ye have John 6:46 - any John 6:56 - dwelleth John 14:17 - but John 14:20 - ye in John 17:23 - I 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit 2 Corinthians 6:16 - I will dwell Ephesians 4:6 - and in Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 2:2 - being Hebrews 6:1 - let 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 1 John 3:14 - because 1 John 4:7 - every 1 John 4:15 - God dwelleth 1 John 4:16 - God is love1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God lit­erally, but we may exhibit evidences of spiritual knowledge of Him by hav­ing love for the brethren. If we do so it will cause God to dwell in us or in our midst spiritually. His love is perfectcd or made complete in us when we follow His example of loving the chil­dren of God, No one hath beheld God at any time (theon oudeis pτpote tetheβtai). Perfect middle indicative of theaomai (John 1:14). Almost the very words of Joh 1:18 theon oudeis pτpote heτraken (instead of tetheβtai). ——————————————————————————– If we love one another (ean agapτmen allηlous). Third-class condition with ean and the present active subjunctive, “if we keep on loving one another.” ——————————————————————————– God abideth in us (ho theos en hηmin menei). Else we cannot go on loving one another. ——————————————————————————– His love (hη agapη autou). More than merely subjective or objective (1 John 2:5; 1 John 4:9). “Mutual love is a sign of the indwelling of God in men” (Brooke). ——————————————————————————– Is perfected (teteleiτmenη estin).

Periphrastic (see usual form teteleiτtai in 1 John 2:5; 1 John 4:17) perfect passive indicative of teleioτ (cf. 1 John 1:4). See 1 John 4:18 for “perfect love.”

1 John 4:13

3

1 John 4:131 John 4:13 ενG1722 BY τουτωG5129 THIS γινωσκομενG1097 [G5719] WE KNOW οτιG3754 THAT ενG1722 IN αυτωG846 HIM μενομενG3306 [G5719] WE ABIDE, καιG2532 AND αυτοςG846 HE ενG1722 IN ημινG2254 US, οτιG3754 BECAUSE εκG1537 OF τουG3588 πνευματοςG4151 αυτουG846 HIS SPIRIT δεδωκενG1325 [G5758] HE HAS GIVEN ημινG2254 TO US1 John 4:15, 1 John 4:16, 1 John 3:24, John 14:20-26, Romans 8:9-17, 1 Corinthians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Galatians 5:22-25, Ephesians 2:20-22 John 3:21 - that his John 14:17 - but John 16:14 - glorify John 17:26 - and I Romans 8:16 - Spirit Romans 16:7 - were 1 Corinthians 1:9 - the fellowship Ephesians 2:22 - an Colossians 2:2 - being 1 John 2:3 - hereby 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:20 - ye have 1 John 2:24 - ye also 1 John 4:4 - greater1 John 4:13 This is the same in thought as 1 John 3:24; see the com­ments there. Hereby know we (en toutτi ginτskomen). The Christian’s consciousness of the fact of God dwelling in him is due to the Spirit of God whom God has given (dedτken, perfect active indicative here, though the aorist edτken in 1 John 3:24). This gift of God is proof of our fellowship with God.

1 John 4:14

1 John 4:141 John 4:14 καιG2532 AND ημειςG2249 WE τεθεαμεθαG2300 [G5766] HAVE SEEN καιG2532 AND μαρτυρουμενG3140 [G5719] BEAR WITNESS οτιG3754 THAT οG3588 THE πατηρG3962 FATHER απεσταλκενG649 [G5758] HAS SENT τονG3588 THE υιονG5207 SON “AS” σωτηραG4990 SAVIOUR τουG3588 OF THE κοσμουG2889 WORLDwe have: 1 John 1:1-3, 1 John 5:9, John 1:14, John 3:11, John 3:32, John 5:39, John 15:26, John 15:27, Acts 18:5, 1 Peter 5:12 the Father: 1 John 4:10, John 3:34, John 5:36, John 5:37, John 10:36 the Saviour: 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:2, John 1:29, John 3:16, John 3:17, John 4:42, John 12:47 Isaiah 43:11 - General Isaiah 63:8 - so he Zechariah 2:8 - sent Mark 16:15 - Go Luke 2:11 - unto John 1:34 - this John 6:51 - the life John 7:29 - for John 8:42 - neither John 11:42 - that thou John 16:14 - glorify John 17:3 - and Jesus John 17:8 - and have John 17:26 - and I Acts 5:31 - a Saviour Acts 9:20 - that Acts 13:23 - raised 1 Corinthians 2:1 - the testimony Galatians 2:20 - the Son Galatians 4:4 - God Galatians 5:3 - testify 1 Timothy 1:1 - God 1 Timothy 4:10 - the saviour 2 Timothy 1:8 - the testimony 2 Timothy 1:10 - our Titus 2:13 - our 2 Peter 1:16 - were 1 John 5:1 - believeth 1 John 5:20 - we know Revelation 1:2 - and of all1 John 4:14 John and the other apos­tles could testify, because they had seen the evidences that the Father has sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Hereby know we (en toutτi ginτskomen). The Christian’s consciousness of the fact of God dwelling in him is due to the Spirit of God whom God has given (dedτken, perfect active indicative here, though the aorist edτken in 1 John 3:24). This gift of God is proof of our fellowship with God.

1 John 4:15

5

1 John 4:151 John 4:15 οςG3739 ανG302 ομολογησηG3670 [G5661] MAY CONFESS οτιG3754 THAT ιησουςG2424 JESUS εστινG2076 [G5748] IS οG3588 THE υιοςG5207 τουG3588 SON θεουG2316 οG3588 OF GOD θεοςG2316 GOD ενG1722 IN αυτωG846 HIM μενειG3306 [G5719] ABIDES, καιG2532 AND αυτοςG846 HE ενG1722 τωG3588 IN θεωG2316 GODconfess: 1 John 4:2, 1 John 5:1, 1 John 5:5, Matthew 10:32, Luke 12:8, Romans 10:9, Philippians 2:11, 2 John 1:7 God dwelleth: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 3:24 Psalms 31:2 - an house Psalms 91:1 - dwelleth Isaiah 45:17 - Israel Matthew 16:16 - Thou Matthew 16:17 - but Mark 8:29 - Thou John 1:34 - this John 3:21 - that his John 6:56 - dwelleth John 9:35 - Dost John 12:42 - they did not John 14:23 - make John 17:3 - and Jesus John 20:31 - these Acts 8:37 - I believe Acts 9:20 - that Romans 1:3 - his Son Romans 10:10 - and with Romans 14:11 - confess 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit 2 Corinthians 6:16 - I will dwell 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:23 - denieth 1 John 4:13 - General1 John 4:15 See the comments at verses 1-3. Whosoever shall confess (hos ean homologηsηi). Indefinite relative clause with modal ean (= an) and the first aorist active subjunctive, “whoever confesses.” See 1 John 2:23; 1 John 4:2-3 for homologeτ. ——————————————————————————– That (hoti). Object clause (indirect assertion) after homologeτ. This confession of the deity of Jesus Christ implies surrender and obedience also, not mere lip service (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:3; Romans 10:6-12). This confession is proof (if genuine) of the fellowship with God (1 John 1:3-4; 1 John 3:24).

1 John 4:16

1 John 4:161 John 4:16 καιG2532 AND ημειςG2249 WE εγνωκαμενG1097 [G5758] HAVE KNOWN καιG2532 AND πεπιστευκαμενG4100 [G5758] HAVE τηνG3588 THE αγαπηνG26 LOVE ηνG3739 WHICH εχειG2192 [G5719] οG3588 HAS θεοςG2316 GOD ενG1722 AS TO ημινG2254 οG3588 US. θεοςG2316 GOD αγαπηG26 LOVE εστινG2076 [G5748] IS, καιG2532 AND οG3588 HE THAT μενωνG3306 [G5723] ABIDES ενG1722 τηG3588 IN αγαπηG26 LOVE, ενG1722 τωG3588 IN θεωG2316 GOD μενειG3306 [G5719] ABIDES, καιG2532 οG3588 AND θεοςG2316 GOD ενG1722 IN αυτωG846 HIMwe: 1 John 4:9, 1 John 4:10, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:16, Psalms 18:1-3, Psalms 31:19, Psalms 36:7-9, Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9 God is love: 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:12, 1 John 4:13 and he: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 3:24 Deuteronomy 30:6 - to love the Lord Psalms 31:2 - an house Psalms 90:1 - Lord Psalms 91:1 - dwelleth Proverbs 15:17 - General Isaiah 32:18 - General Matthew 19:17 - there Mark 10:18 - that is John 3:21 - that his John 6:56 - dwelleth John 14:23 - make Romans 8:39 - love 1 Corinthians 3:16 - the Spirit Ephesians 1:4 - love Ephesians 2:22 - an Ephesians 3:17 - Christ Ephesians 4:16 - edifying Philippians 2:1 - if any comfort Colossians 1:4 - faith 1 John 2:5 - hereby 1 John 2:24 - ye also 1 John 4:4 - are 1 John 5:20 - and we1 John 4:16 knoun and believed. There is no conflict between these words as might be concluded because of the difference technically between them. The things that were known were the evidences, and what they be­lieved was based on those evidences, namely, that God had a great love for man. The latter part of the verse has been explained in a number of the preceding verses. We know (egnτkamen). Perfect active indicative, “we have come to know and still know” as in John 6:9, only there order is changed (pepisteukamen coming before egnτkamen). Confession (homologeτ) follows experimental knowledge (ginτskτ) and confident trust (pisteuτ). Believers are the sphere (en hηmin, in our case) in which the love of God operates (Westcott). See John 13:35 for “having love.” ——————————————————————————– God is love (ho theos agapη estin). Repeated from 1 John 4:8. So he gathers up the whole argument that one who is abiding in love is abiding in God and shows that God is abiding in him. Thoroughly Johannine style.

1 John 4:17

1 John 4:171 John 4:17 ενG1722 IN τουτωG5129 THIS τετελειωταιG5048 [G5769] ηG3588 HAS BEEN αγαπηG26 LOVE μεθG3326 WITH ημωνG2257 US, ιναG2443 THAT παρρησιανG3954 εχωμενG2192 [G5725] WE MAY HAVE ενG1722 IN τηG3588 THE ημεραG2250 τηςG3588 DAY κρισεωςG2920 OF , οτιG3754 THAT καθωςG2531 EVEN AS εκεινοςG1565 HE εστινG2076 [G5748] IS, καιG2532 ALSO ημειςG2249 WE εσμενG2070 [G5748] ARE ενG1722 IN τωG3588 κοσμωG2889 τουτωG5129 THIS WORLDour love: Gr. love with us made: 1 John 4:12, 1 John 2:5, James 2:22 we may: 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:19-21, James 2:13 the day: Matthew 10:15, Matthew 11:22, Matthew 11:24, Matthew 12:36, 2 Peter 2:9, 2 Peter 3:7 as: 1 John 3:3, Matthew 10:25, John 15:20, Romans 8:29, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 12:3, 1 Peter 3:16-18, 1 Peter 4:1-3, 1 Peter 4:13, 1 Peter 4:14 Isaiah 32:17 - quietness Mark 6:11 - in the day Hebrews 10:19 - Having James 1:4 - perfect and 1 John 3:21 - General1 John 4:17 I.ove made perfect means it is complete, and God made it pos­sible for man to have that perfect (or complete) love, to give them boldness in view of the judgment day. as he is, so are we. To be confident with ref­erence to the judgment, we must be on good terms with God in this world. That can be accomplished only by man­ifesting that unselfish love that was first shown by the Lord for us. Herein (en toutτi). It is not clear whether the hina clause (sub-final use) is in apposition with en toutτi as in John 15:8 or the hoti clause (because) with the hina clause as parenthesis. Either makes sense. Westcott argues for the latter idea, which is reinforced by the preceding sentence. ——————————————————————————– With us (meth’ hηmτn). Construed with the verb teteleiτtai (is perfected). In contrast to en hηmin (1 John 4:12; 1 John 4:16), emphasising cooperation. “God works with man” (Westcott).

For boldness (parrηsian) in the day of judgment (only here with both articles, but often with no articles as in 2 Peter 2:9) see 1 John 2:28. ——————————————————————————– As he is (kathτs ekeinos estin). That is Christ as in 1 John 2:6; 1 John 3:3; 1 John 3:5; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 3:16. Same tense (present) as in 1 John 3:7. “Love is a heavenly visitant” (David Smith). We are in this world to manifest Christ.

1 John 4:18

8

1 John 4:181 John 4:18 φοβοςG5401 FEAR ουκG3756 εστινG2076 [G5748] THERE IS NOT ενG1722 τηG3588 IN αγαπηG26 LOVE, αλλG235 ηG3588 BUT τελειαG5046 PERFECT αγαπηG26 LOVE εξωG1854 OUT βαλλειG906 [G5719] τονG3588 CASTS φοβονG5401 FEAR; οτιG3754 οG3588 BECAUSE φοβοςG5401 FEAR κολασινG2851 TORMENT εχειG2192 [G5719] HAS, οG3588 δεG1161 AND HE THAT φοβουμενοςG5399 [G5740] FEARS ουG3756 τετελειωταιG5048 [G5769] HAS NOT BEEN MADE PERFECT ενG1722 τηG3588 IN αγαπηG26 LOVE.is no: Luke 1:74, Luke 1:75, Romans 8:15, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 12:28 fear hath: Job 15:21, Psalms 73:19, Psalms 88:15, Psalms 88:16, Psalms 119:120, James 2:19 He that: 1 John 4:12 Exodus 14:10 - sore afraid Luke 19:21 - I feared Galatians 5:6 - faith James 1:4 - perfect and James 2:13 - and James 2:22 - faith made 1 John 2:5 - in him1 John 4:18 The Bible does not con­tradict itself, and when it appears that it does there is always an explanation for it. We know we are commanded to fear God (1 Peter 2:17), but our present verse says that perfect love will cast out fear. The explanation is very simple which depends on the meanings of the original Greek word phobos. Thayer gives us two defini­tions of the word as follows: “ 1. fear, dread, terror,” and ” 2. reverence, re­spect.” As we have seen frequently be­fore, the particular meaning of any word must be determined by the con­nection in which it is used. The con­nection here shows John is using it in its bad sense which would made it read, “ There is no dread or terror in love.” If we love God and manifest it by loving our brother, we will not have any dread at the thought of meeting God in the judgment. Fear (phobos). Like a bond-slave (Romans 8:15), not the reverence of a son (eulabeia, Hebrews 5:7-8) or the obedience to a father (en phobτi, 1 Peter 1:17). This kind of dread is the opposite of parrηsia (boldness). ——————————————————————————– Perfect love (hη teleia agapη). There is such a thing, perfect because it has been perfected (1 John 4:12; 1 John 4:17). Cf. James 1:4. ——————————————————————————– Casteth out fear (exτ ballei ton phobon). “Drives fear out” so that it does not exist in real love.

See ekballτ exτ in John 6:37; John 9:34-35; John 12:31; John 15:6 to turn out-of-doors, a powerful metaphor. Perfect love harbours no suspicion and no dread (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). ——————————————————————————– Hath punishment (kolasin echei). Old word, in N.T. only here and Matthew 25:46. Timτria has only the idea of penalty, kolasis has also that of discipline, while paideia has that of chastisement (Hebrews 12:7). The one who still dreads (phoboumenos) has not been made perfect in love (ou teteleiτtai). Bengel graphically describes different types of men: “sine timore et amore; cum timore sine amore; cum timore et amore; sine timore cum amore.”

1 John 4:19

1 John 4:191 John 4:19 ημειςG2249 WE αγαπωμενG25 [G5719] [G5725] LOVE αυτονG846 HIM οτιG3754 BECAUSE αυτοςG846 HE πρωτοςG4413 FIRST ηγαπησενG25 [G5656] LOVED ημαςG2248 US. 1 John 4:10, Luke 7:47, John 3:16, John 15:16, 2 Corinthians 5:14, 2 Corinthians 5:15, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 2:3-5, Titus 3:3-5 Exodus 20:6 - love me Deuteronomy 7:8 - because Deuteronomy 10:12 - love Deuteronomy 33:3 - he loved Judges 5:31 - them that 1 Kings 3:3 - loved Psalms 18:1 - I will Psalms 26:3 - For Psalms 97:10 - Ye that Psalms 116:1 - love Proverbs 8:17 - I love Jeremiah 31:3 - I have Matthew 22:40 - General John 1:43 - and findeth John 13:1 - having John 14:15 - General John 16:27 - because John 17:23 - and hast John 21:15 - lovest Romans 5:5 - because Romans 8:28 - them Romans 8:37 - him Romans 8:39 - love Romans 10:20 - I was made 1 Corinthians 2:9 - them 1 Corinthians 8:3 - love 1 Corinthians 16:22 - love Colossians 3:12 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 2:13 - beloved 2 Thessalonians 3:5 - into James 1:12 - them James 2:13 - and 1 Peter 1:8 - ye love1 John 4:19 This is commented on at 1 John 4:10. He first (autos prτtos). Note prτtos (nominative), not prτton, as in John 20:4; John 20:8. God loved us before we loved him (John 3:16). Our love is in response to his love for us. Agapτmen is indicative (we love), not subjunctive (let us love) of the same form. There is no object expressed here.

1 John 4:20

20

1 John 4:201 John 4:20 εανG1437 IF τιςG5100 ANYONE ειπηG2036 [G5632] οτιG3754 SHOULD SAY, αγαπωG25 [G5719] τονG3588 I LOVE θεονG2316 GOD, καιG2532 τονG3588 AND αδελφονG80 BROTHER αυτουG846 HIS μισηG3404 [G5725] SHOULD HATE, ψευστηςG5583 A LIAR εστινG2076 [G5748] HE IS. οG3588 γαρG1063 FOR HE THAT μηG3361 αγαπωνG25 [G5723] τονG3588 LOVES NOT αδελφονG80 αυτουG846 HIS BROTHER ονG3739 WHOM εωρακενG3708 [G5758] τονG3588 HE HAS SEEN, θεονG2316 GOD ονG3739 WHOM ουχG3756 εωρακενG3708 [G5758] HE HAS NOT SEEN, πωςG4459 HOW δυναταιG1410 [G5736] IS HE ABLE αγαπανG25 [G5721] TO LOVEa man: 1 John 2:4, 1 John 3:17 not: 1 John 4:12 Genesis 13:8 - brethren Genesis 37:4 - hated him Deuteronomy 10:12 - love 1 Kings 3:3 - loved Matthew 5:22 - his brother Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Matthew 25:42 - General Luke 3:11 - He that hath two Luke 11:42 - and pass John 1:18 - seen John 5:37 - Ye have John 5:42 - that John 13:35 - General John 14:15 - General Romans 12:10 - kindly 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have Ephesians 5:2 - walk Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:8 - having 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 1 John 1:6 - If 1 John 2:22 - Who 1 John 3:14 - that loveth 1 John 4:7 - let 1 John 5:1 - and every 2 John 1:5 - that we1 John 4:20 John has previously made this same charge, but he adds a logical reason for it here. It certainly is as easy to love a brother who is with us and whose fellowship we can enjoy, as it is to love God whom we cannot see now and must love on the basis of faith. I love God (Agapτ ton theon). Quoting an imaginary disputant as in 1 John 2:4. ——————————————————————————– And hateth (kai misei). Continuation of the same condition with ean and the present active subjunctive, “and keep on hating.” See 1 John 2:9; 1 John 3:15 for use of miseτ (hate) with adelphos (brother). A liar (pseustηs). Blunt and to the point as in 1 John 1:10; 1 John 2:4. ——————————————————————————– That loveth not (ho mη agapτn). “The one who does not keep on loving” (present active negative articular participle). ——————————————————————————– Hath seen (heτraken). Perfect active indicative of horaτ, the form in John 1:18 used of seeing God. ——————————————————————————– Cannot love (ou dunatai agapβin). “Is not able to go on loving,” with which compare 1 John 2:9, ou dunatai hamartanein (is not able to go on sinning). The best MSS. do not have pτs (how) here.

1 John 4:21

1 John 4:211 John 4:21 καιG2532 AND ταυτηνG3778 τηνG3588 THIS εντοληνG1785 εχομενG2192 [G5719] WE HAVE απG575 FROM αυτουG846 HIM, ιναG2443 THAT οG3588 HE THAT αγαπωνG25 [G5723] τονG3588 LOVES θεονG2316 GOD αγαπαG25 [G5725] SHOULD LOVE καιG2532 τονG3588 ALSO αδελφονG80 BROTHER αυτουG846 HIS. 1 John 4:11, 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 3:18, 1 John 3:23, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:37-39, Mark 12:29-33, Luke 10:37, John 13:34, John 13:35, John 15:12, Romans 12:9, Romans 12:10, Romans 13:9, Romans 13:10, Galatians 5:6, Galatians 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 Peter 4:8 Genesis 13:8 - brethren Proverbs 14:31 - but Matthew 5:22 - his brother Matthew 25:40 - Inasmuch Mark 12:31 - Thou 1 Corinthians 13:2 - and have Galatians 6:2 - the law Ephesians 1:15 - love Ephesians 5:2 - walk Colossians 3:14 - charity Hebrews 13:1 - General 1 Peter 1:22 - unto 2 Peter 1:7 - charity 1 John 2:8 - a new 1 John 3:10 - neither 1 John 4:7 - let 1 John 5:2 - Genera1 John 4:21 On the basis of the reason­ing in the preceding verse. John com­mands the disciples not to attempt loving God it they will not love the brethren also, for their profession of love will be rejected. That (hina). Sub-final object clause in apposition with entolηn as in John 13:34; John 15:13. ——————————————————————————– From him (ap’ autou). Either God or Christ. See Mark 12:29-31 for this old commandment (1 John 2:7-8).