PROVISION FOR THE SINNING OF BELIEVERS _CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ FIRMLY does St. John declare that the Christian should not sin, and must not sin. But he clearly recognises that Christians do actually sin through frailty. And he presents the consolation which is found in the gracious provisi... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 2:8. NEW COMMANDMENT.—St. John seems to refer to his demand of love to the brethren, as the satisfactory sign of heart-obedience, son-like obedience to the Father. And this was new in the sense that no previous religious or ethical system had made such a deman... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 2:12 indicate the things which the disciples must _not_ love, if they would walk in the light, and be sons with the “Only Begotten.” 1 John 2:12. SINS ARE FORGIVEN.—The reception of Divine forgiveness is our virtual pledge that we will not again sin. “The for... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 2:18. LAST TIME.—R.V. “last hour”; probably it should be “_a_ last hour.” The period after Christ’s coming in the flesh, however long it may prove to be, is regarded as the “last time.” If the apostles did expect a visible return of their Lord in their day, it... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 2:20. UNCTION FROM THE HOLY ONE.—Or, “anointing.” The association of the Spirit coming to a man, when anointed to a Divine office, may be seen in the case of the kings Saul and David. Each believer, in the early Church, received an anointing from God in the gi... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTES_ 1 John 2:24.—Omit “therefore. “WHICH YE HAVE HEARD.—Concerning Christ, and Christ’s truth, on the authority of His apostles. REMAIN … continue—In both cases prefer the word “abide.” _Dr. Plummer_ paraphrases thus, “Let the truths which were first taught you have a ho... [ Continue Reading ]