1 John 4:16

And we have known and believed Literally, And we have come to know and have believed. This is the natural order; progressive knowledge leads up to faith. But sometimes faith precedes knowledge (John 6:69). In either case each completes the other. Sound faith is intelligent; sound knowledge is believing. We must be -ready always to give answer to every man that asketh a reason concerning the hope that is in us" (1 Peter 3:15). This verse is a fulfilment of the conclusion of Christ's High-Priestly prayer; -I made known unto them Thy name, and will make it known; that the love wherewith Thou lovedst Me may be in them, and I in them" (John 17:26).

God hath to us Rather, God hath in us, as in 1 John 4:9; see note there.

he that dwelleth, &c. Better, as R. V., he that abideth in love, abideth in God, and God abideth in him: see on 1 John 2:24. In the true text (א BKL) the characteristic word -abide" occurs characteristically three times: comp. 1 John 4:5, where -the world" occurs three times.