This then = And this. message . Greek. angelia. Only here and 1 John 3:11 . of = from. App-104 . as 1 John 1:1 . declare . Greek. anangello. See Acts 20:27 . God . App-98 . light . App-130 . no . . . at all. Greek. ou oudeis. A double negative. This is the Figure of speech Pleonasm ( App-6 ), as in 1 John 1:8 . read more
If . App-118 . truth . See p. 1511 and App-175 . read more
as He . This refers to the Father. Compare 1 John 2:6 . one with another = with one another. Not with fellow-believers, but with the Father and the Son. Jesus Christ . The texts read "Jesus". sin . App-128 . Here is the Figure of speech Metalepsis. App-6 . read more
and these things we write, that our joy may be made full.We write ... It has been debated whether this applies primarily to the whole apostolic message just referred to in the prologue or to the epistle about to follow. Scott is likely correct in referring both to the apostolic proclamation "Declare we (1 John 1:3) and write we (1 John 1:4) refer to the same message."[20] Since the epistle itself is part of the apostolic message, this appears to be logical.A NOTE REGARDING "ETERNAL LIFE"Before... read more
And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.It is not merely an abstract teaching with regard to the nature of God that John presented here (though some of that is in it). His general theme regarded the fellowship mentioned in the prologue; but as Roberts said, "John's thoughts are not arranged logically and symmetrically."[23] The most practical organization of the next few verses lies in the arrangement of his... read more
If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:In this verse, the apostle made the application of his remarks in the verse preceding. Smith identified the false teachers refuted by this as "the Nicolaitans who held to the heresy of antinomianism."[28] John did not honor their heresy nor the names of any of its advocates with any identification whatever. Plummer thought that the heresy in view was that of the "Carpocratian Gnostics, who taught... read more
but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sinIf we walk in the light ... When the light from God, as revealed in Christ Jesus and the preaching of the apostles, is entered and walked in by the Christians, "Walking in the light shows up their sins and frailties, revealing the need for constant cleansing."[32]Roberts pointed out that John's teaching here "implies that only the sinless can have... read more
1 John 1:4. That your joy may be full.— "That the divine life may be so improved in your souls, and your meetness for the heavenly inheritance may be so apparent, and so advanced, that your joy may, as far as possible, be fulfilled; and no circumstance which this mortal life will admit, may be wanting to complete it." 1 John 1:5. Which we have heard of him, &c.— Of him, means, "From Jesus Christ;" for St. John evidently refers to what he had said in some of the preceding verses, concerning... read more
1 John 1:6. If we say that we have fellowship with him,— By communion with God, St. John means a holy exercise of the Divine presence, walking by faith in the light of his countenance, and an abiding consciousness of his favour, which can be experienced by none but those who lead a holy life. We cannot have communion with God, unless we resemble himin purity, holiness, and all moral perfection. Holiness is through grace preserved and increased by the habitual practice of it, and by devotion.... read more
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E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 John 1:4
full = fulfilled or filled full. App-125 . Compare John 15:11 ; John 16:24 . read more