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 ]