THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SONSHIP _CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ THE last word of the previous chapter brought to mind that the Christian is related to God by a spiritual and Divine _birth_. A Christian is one “born of the Spirit”—“born of God.” But St. John suddenly feels how much is involved,... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 3:7. LITTLE CHILDREN.—τεκνία; not infants, but young and immature disciples. DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS.—Emphasis lies on “doeth”; habitually does. Doing is opposed to mere profession, mere sentiment, and the moral licence of false doctrine. “There is only one way of... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 3:13. WORLD HATE YON.—The “world” includes all who are not actuated by the supreme motive, love to God. For “hate” read “hateth” (John 15:18). 1 John 3:14. FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE.—Death is spiritual death in selfishness. Life is spiritual life in love for other... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 3:18. IN WORD.—Profession, mere boasting. True love finds expression in service. “St. John hints that there is some danger of this conventionality amongst his friends, and earnestly exhorts them to genuineness.” 1 John 3:20. HEART CONDEMN.—There are always se... [ Continue Reading ]