1 John 5:5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 John 5:1-5

I. The apostle having, in the conclusion of the last chapter, as was there observed, urged Christian love upon those two accounts, as suitable to Christian profession and as suitable to the divine command, here adds a third: Such love is suitable, and indeed demanded, by their eminent relation; our Christian brethren or fellow-believers are nearly related to God; they are his children: Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, 1 John 5:1. Here the Christian brother is, 1.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 John 5:5

Who is he that overcometh the world ,.... This question carries in it a strong affirmation, that no other person is the conqueror of the world: but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ? and this points out what that faith is which obtains the victory over the world; and shows that it is not that trust and confidence which has a man's self, or any mere creature, thing, or person, for its object, but only Jesus Christ, and that as he is the Son of God; and which is not a mere... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 John 5:5

He that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? - That he is the promised Messiah, that he came by a supernatural generation; and, although truly man, came not by man, but by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary. The person who believes this has the privilege of applying to the Lord for the benefits of the incarnation and passion of Jesus Christ, and receives the blessings which the Jews cannot have, because they believe not the Divine mission of Christ. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 John 5:5

Verse 5 5Who is he that overcometh the world This is a reason for the previous sentence; that is, we conquer by faith, because we derive strength from Christ; as Paul also says, “I can do all things through him that strengtheneth me,” (Philippians 4:13.) He only then can conquer Satan and the world, and not succumb to his own flesh, who, diffident as to himself, recumbs on Christ’s power alone. For byfaith he means a real apprehension of Christ, or an effectual laying hold on him, by which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 5:1-5

The victory of faith. Connecting link: The preceding chapter closed with a statement of the two-foldness of love, showing us that love of our brother must follow our love to God, and is, in fact, the commanded and the only outward expression thereof. But, so far, at any rate, as our redeemed brethren in Christ are concerned, they being believers in Christ have been begotten of God. Consequently they are members of one family with us. And every one who loves the Father will, as a matter... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 5:1-12

Faith is the source of love. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 5:1-12

Faith and the Divine testimony. I. FAITH . 1 . A common faith with a common life is the foundation of brotherly love. "Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is begotten of God: and whosoever loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him." A general aspect is given to the truth. Given a person who (according to what John has formerly taught) believes that Jesus is the Christ, it can be said of him that he is begetter, of God, i.e., is the subject of a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 5:4-5

The victorious life. "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world," etc. St. John here presents the victorious life in four aspects. I. IN ITS ORIGIN . "Whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world." The true Christian is "born anew;" he is "born of the Spirit;" he "is begotten of God." This relationship involves: 1 . Participation in the life of God, especially the life of love (cf. 1 John 4:7 ). £ 2 . Resemblance to the character of God. 3 . ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 John 5:5

What other way is there of conquering the world? And how can he who believes fail? Belief in Christ unites us to him, and gives us a share in his victories; and he has overcome the world ( John 16:33 ). read more

Albert Barnes

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

Who is he ... - Where is there one who can pretend to have obtained a victory over the world, except he who believes in the Saviour? All else are worldly, and are governed by worldly aims and principles. It is true that a man may gain a victory over one worldly passion; he may subdue some one evil propensity; he may abandon the “happy” circle, may break away from habits of profaneness, may leave the company of the unprincipled and polluted; but still, unless he has faith in the Son of God, the... read more

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