1 John 2:3-6

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 2:5

Once more (cf. 1 John 1:7 , 1 John 1:9 ) the opposite is stated and the thought carried further. But whoso keepeth his word , of a truth in him hath the love of God been perfected; i.e., as an accomplished fact; the relation of love has been established. In St. John ἀληθῶς is no mere expletive; it expresses reality, and reality that is known. From verse 4 we might have expected "of a truth he knoweth God;" but the apostle goes beyond this, and shows that really knowing God... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 2:6

Profession involves an obligation to act up to the profession. "He who says that he abides in God is by his words morally bound to walk even as his Son, the incarnate Revelation of his will, walked." The change from ἐν αὐτῷ to ἐκεῖνος confirms the view that αὐτόν and αὐτοῦ mean the Father; but St. John's use of ἐκεῖνος to recall with emphasis a previous subject ( John 1:8 , John 1:18 , John 1:33 ; John 5:11 ; John 9:37 ; John 10:1 ; John 12:48 ) makes this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 2:6

Great professions involve great obligations. Connecting link: In the fifth verse the apostle had just declared that a life of obedience to God certifies to the believer that he is in Christ. In this verse that thought is as it were turned round: not only is it true that, if a man diligently obeys, he has in that fact the proof of a living union with Christ, but it also follows that, if a man avows to others that he is living in union with the Son of God, he is bound to justify that... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 2:6

Christian profession and consequent obligations. "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself," etc. I. A PROFESSION OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER . "He that saith he abideth in him," i.e., in God. In the paragraph of which our text is a part there is a gradation of ideas as to the relation of the Christian to God: to know him; to be in him; and to abide in him. 1 . The Christian is in God by spiritual fellowship. Through Christ the Christian is brought into intimate and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 John 2:3

And hereby we do know that we know him - To wit, by that which follows, we have evidence that we are truly acquainted with him, and with the requirements of his religion; that is, that we are truly his friends. The word “him” in this verse, seems to refer to the Saviour. On the meaning of the word “know,” see the notes at John 17:3. The apostle had stated in the previous part of this Epistle some of the leading points revealed by the Christian religion, and he here enters on the consideration... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 John 2:4

He that saith, I know Him - He who professes to be acquainted with the Saviour, or who professes to be a Christian.And keepeth not his commandments - What he has appointed to be observed by his people; that is, he who does not obey him.Is a liar - Makes a false profession; professes to have that which he really has not. Such a profession is a falsehood, because there can be no true religion where one does not obey the law of God. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 John 2:5

But whoso keepeth his word - That is, what he has spoken or commanded, The term “word” here will include all that he has made known to us as his will in regard to our conduct.In him verily is the love of God perfected - He professes to have the love of God in his heart, and that love receives its completion or filling up by obedience to the will of God. That obedience is the proper carrying out, or the exponent of the love which exists in the heart. Love to the Saviour would be defective... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 John 2:6

He that saith, he abideth in him - Greek, “remains” in him; that is, abides or remains in the belief of his doctrines, and in the comfort and practice of religion. The expression is one of those which refer to the intimate union between Christ and his people. A great variety of phrase is employed to denote that. For the meaning of this word in John, see the notes at 1 John 3:6.Ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked - Ought to live and act as he did. If he is one with him, or professes... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 John 2:3-6

1 John 2:3-6. Hereby we do know that we, truly and savingly, know him As he is the Advocate, the righteous One, the Propitiation; if we keep his commandments Particularly those of faith and love. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar “The Nicolaitans and Gnostics, notwithstanding they lived in an habitual course of the most criminal sensual indulgences, boasted that they were the objects of God’s love, and sure of obtaining eternal life, merely because... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 John 2:1-6

1:1-2:17 LIVING IN THE LIGHTFellowship with God (1:1-2:6)In the opening few words of his letter, John states clearly certain facts about Jesus Christ that are basic to Christianity. Jesus Christ is the eternal God and he became a real man whom John and his fellow apostles have seen, heard and touched (1:1-2). John’s joy will be complete if he knows that he and his readers share together in the eternal life that comes to them through Jesus Christ. This life unites them to one another as well as... read more

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