Westminster Annotations, 1 John 2
ANNOTATIONS On the first Epistle of S. JOHN.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. THat which was from the beginning] From the beginning of the world. An allusion to Gen. 1. 1. Joh. 1. 1. Prov. 8. 22. Christ is hereby intended, who is the true God, chap. 5. 20. and was before the beginning of the world. But the Scripture, speaking of him which is from eternity, useth this phrase, from the beginning, to descend to our capacity, who are not able to comprehend any thing before the beginning of the world, Matth. 25 34.
which we] We apostles, chosen witnesses to publish these things, Acts 1. 8. and 10. 41.
have heard] The truth of these things was confirmed to them by three senses; hearing, seeing, handling; the later still surer then the former. He doth not say, Which we have read, to wit, in the prophets: neither doth mean, what they had heard of the Pharisees, expounding the prophets: But from John the Baptist, Joh. 1. 36, 37, 40. from Christ himself, in his fermons, as the Samaritanes did, Joh. 4. 42. For, as he was true God, so was he true man also; and, in his humane nature, testified of his divine. Yea, they heard God the Father from heaven testifie of him also, Matth. 17. 5. 2 Pet. 1. 17, 18.
which we have seen] We saw him in his humane nature, and saw his miracles, Luke 1. 2. 2 Pet. 1. 16. Eye-witnesses are more worthy of credit then ear-witnesses, Acts 4. 20. Joh. 3. 11. and 15. 27. Acts 1. 21, 22. and 10. 40, 41. This proves Christ to be true man, as his being from the beginning sets out his Deity.
with our eyes] So men use to speak of things most certain, yet not so well known to their hearers, Job 19. 27. And so of the ears, Psal. 44. 1. Some restrain it to the vision in the mount, where they saw Christs glory: but it may be understood of all visible declarations of the truth of Christs humane nature to them, by his eating, drinking, &c. and of his divine, by working miracles in their sight, Joh. 1. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16.
which we have looked upon] Wishly and deliberately: for we see many things we do not regard, nor fasten our eyes on them. We looked upon him, as men look on rare sights in a theatre, diligently, clearly, chearfully; 1 Cor. 4. 9. 1 Pet. 1. 12.
our hands] Touching is the surest sense: for eyes and ears may sooner be deceived, in bodily substances, then hands, Luke 24. 39. Joh. 20. 25.
have handled] Gr. touched: As musicians touch their stringed-instruments. They touched him both before his resurrection, Matth. 14. 31. and after it, Joh. 20. 27.
of the word] Of Christs humane nature, who is also the word of God, Joh. 1. 1. as being begotten of the Father, as the word is by the minde; and making the Fathers minde known to us, as our words make our meaning manifest to others.
of life] Who is a living word himself, and gives both naturall and spirituall life to others, Joh. 1. 4. and 5. 26. chap. 5. 11.
V. 2. For the life] See on v. 1.
was manifested] Before, it lay hid in it self; now it was manifested by incarnation, Joh. 1. 14. 1 Tim. 3. 16. and by miracles, which none else did, Joh. 3. 2. and 7. 31, 46. and 11. 47. and 12. 37. and 15. 24.
we have seen it] This is repeated, for more assurance, that none need doubt of it.
and bear witnesse] For the glory of Christ. See on v. 1.
and shew unto you] For your good. Ye could never have found it out your selves, if God had not revealed it to us, and we taught it you, Rom. 10. 14.
which was with the Father] Joh. 1. 1, 2. The word imports, neernesse, with some distinction: therefore also he is said to be in the Father, Joh. 14. 10, 11. Christ is one God with the Father, yet a distinct person from him: and he was with him invisible altogether, till he was incarnate.
was manifested unto us] Joh. 1. 14.
V. 3. That which we have seen] This is the third time repeated, to put it out of all question.
that ye also] Who did not see, hear nor handle the word of life, as we did, v. 1. So that he wrote this epistle not to get ought from them, but to do good to them, that they might have a share with him in spirituall comforts, 2 Cor. 12. 14.
May have fellowship] That being united by faith with Christ, and with his members, ye may partake of his graces, and spirituall life from him; and by him be united to God the Father, and have communion with him, Joh. 17. 21. Heb. 3. 14.
with us] Apostles, whom ye think happie, 2 Cor. 1. 21.
and truely, &c.] And not with us onelyonly, but with God and Christ also, which is a greater preeminence.
V. 4. These things write we unto you] He doth not say, We preach them, but, We write them; to shew, that there is enough in Scripture, without tradition, to bring us to a comfortable life on earth, and perfect joy in heaven.
that your joy may be full] That by encrease of your faith, 2 Joh. v. 12. ye may have peace of conscience, and joy of the holy Ghost, in so great a measure, that ye may not doubt of Gods favour, but rejoyce in it continually, till ye come to enjoy him for ever, Rom. 5. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 1. 6. Thus John, the beloved disciple of Christ, imitates his master in the very phrase it self. See Joh. 15. 11. and 17. 13.
V. 5. That then is the message] The sum of the Gospel is communion with God, which cannot be without regeneration.
which we have heard of him] Gr. from him. Not, concerning him, by some other, as Joh. 1. 15. We heard it from Christ, v. 3. who testifies concerning his father, as follows in this verse.
that God is light] Full of wisedom and holinesse, Jam. 1. 17.
in him is no darknesse at all] No ignorance nor sin.
V. 6. If we say] In heart, as Psal. 14. 1. Or, professe it in word.
and walk in darknesse] He doth not say, And have walked in darknesse; for all have done so, before regeneration: but, If we walk in darknesse, Eph. 5. 8. Walking sets not out any one action, but the continued course of life, Psal. 119. 1. and 128. 1. To walk in darknesse, is to be conversant in ignorance and sin.
we lye] In saying so: for, what fellowship hath light with darknesse? 2 Cor. 6. 14.
do not the truth] Walk not according to Gods word, Joh. 3. 21. Or, deal not truely, that is, sincerely.
V. 7. If we walk in the light] If we live according to the light of grace received, and go on in a wise and holy way, till we come to perfection.
as he is in the light] He possesseth the fulnesse of wisedom and holinesse from eternity, 1 Tim. 1. 16.
we have fellowship one with another] We with God, and God with us. Or, we Christians one with another.
the blood of Jesus Christ] Lest any should despair, as not being able to walk perfectly in the light, as God is in it, he addes this for our comfort, that, if we do our endeavour, Christs blood will purge away our failings.
his Son] This shews the great price of his blood, as being the blood of the Son of God; yea, of God himself, Acts 20. 28.
…leanseth us from all sin] Tit. 2. 14. That is, from the guilt of all sin: for if but one sin be left unpardoned, that were sufficient to condemn us. It cleanseth also from the filth and stain of sin, Heb. 19. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 2. Rev. 1. 5, 6.
V. 8. If we say] As before he did discourage fearfull ones; so now he labours to cast down proud persons, that think they have no sin, nor need of Christs blood. He saith not, If thou say, as if he spake to some particular person onelyonly: nor, If ye say, as if he intended ordinary Christians alone; but, If we, apostles, or whatever we be, say so: to shew, that all are sinners, Jam. 3. 1.
that we have no sin] Contrary to 1 Kings 8. 46. 2 Chron. 6. 36. Prov. 20. 9. And he doth not say, We have not had sin formerly, but we have not at present, even when we are in state of grace, Rom. 7. 17, 20, 23.
the truth is not in us] We are not sincere: or, we believe not Gods word, v. 6, 10. Joh. 17. 17. It is not then modestie onelyonly that makes the best men to confesse their sins; but the truth compels them to do it.
V. 9. he is faithfull and just] A great comfort. If we could conceive God not to be so mercifull as to forgive our sins, doubtlesse he will be faithfull and just to perform his promise, and not to require that again of us, which Christ hath discharged by shedding his blood for us, Rom. 3. 25. Isa. 53. 7.
V. 10. we make him a lyer.] As much as in us lies. See the like, Matth. 5. 28. A man commits adultery in his heart with a woman, yet she is not desiled: So on the contrary, by believing, we seal to Gods truth, Joh. 3. 33. We do then not onelyonly deceive our selves, when we deny our sins, v. 8. but also by consequence charge God with falshood, who hath often said, that all men are sinners, Rom. 3. 10, 23. and 5. 12. and teacheth us to ask pardon, Math. 6. 12. and sent his Son to die for our sins, chap. 2. 2. and 3. 16.
his word is not in us] Christ: or, the written word hath no place in us, Joh. 8. 37.
CHAP. II.
Vers. 1. MY little children] He sheweth the abundance of his love, by using this word eight times, at least, in this epistle. Hereby he intimates, that the counsell given them is such as comes from a paternall affection, seeking their good. The lesse the children are, the more delight parents take in them, and pitie them the more, because they are the lesse able to help themselves. Now he might call them, Little children, not onelyonly in regard of conversion, as Gal. 4. 19. but also in regard of his own age. So 2 Joh. 1. He may call himself elder in that respect, Philem. v. 9.
that ye sin not] Lest any man should say, If God will forgive, let us sin the more; he addes, I write this, that ye may not sin, Rom. 6. 1.
and if any man sin] Or, yet if any man sin. So the same particle is used, Luke 3. 20. If any man offend out of infirmity, or being overcome by some strong temptation, who intended not to sin, Rom. 7. 15, 19. Gal. 6. 1.
we have an Advocate] He pronounceth it certainly, to take away all doubt. And we need not look for him to come, or seek him with great costs; for we have him already. It is a great comfort, to a man accused; to have a good advocate. We have an excellent one.
with the Father] Heb. 9. 24. Rom. 8. 34. We shall speed well, for God is the Father of our Advocate, and our Father in him.
Jesus Christ] See on Matth. 1. 1. He names him, that the sick souls might not be distracted, not knowing what physitian to go to, Acts 4. 10, 11, 12.
the righteous] One that needed not to die for his own sins, nor plead for the remission of them; and therefore died and pleads for us, Heb. 7. 26, 27. 1 Pet. 3. 18. Acts 3. 14. and 22. 14.
V. 2. And he] Or, For he; As the word is used, Luk. 6. 32. He died for our sins, therefore he will plead for us, Rom. 8. 34. else should he lose the fruit of his death, if we should perish.
the propitiation] The propitiatory-sacrifice, Rom. 3. 25.
for our sins] He doth not profit himself onelyonly (in the exaltation of his humane nature, by his obedience to the death, Phil. 2. 8, 9.) as other men may do, Job 35. 8. Ezek. 14. 16. but saves us from our sins, Matth. 1. 21.
and not for ours onelyonly] Who believe already; or, who are alive now: or, of us Jews, who were Gods peculiar people before.
for the sins of the whole world] Of all believers in all nations, Acts 10. 35. Gal. 3. 28. Col. 3. 11.
V. 3. Hereby we know that we know him] That we have acquaintance with him, chap. 1. 7. or, have the true and sound knowledge of him, Joh. 1. 18. and 17. 3. Or, we acknowledge him really for our Saviour, Psal. 1. 6. Matth. 25. 12.
if we keep his commandments] Many boast that they know Christ to be a propitiation for their sins, and therefore they need not forbear sin, or obey Gods law: but such know not Christ to their comfort. By keeping, is meant, a sedulous studie, and serious endeavour of walking in an holy course of life, according to all the commandments of God, and a conscionable care of observing each one, as well as any other, Luke 1. 6. Jam. 2. 8, 9, 10. Psal. 119. 6.
V. 4. and the truth is not in him] See on chap. 1. 8.
V. 5. the love of God perfected] See on chap. 4. 12.
V. 6. even as he walked] Then, like a servant, he shall wear his masters livery, 1 Cor. 11. 1. Eph. 5. 1, 2.
V. 7. which ye had from the beginning] Taught by Christ and his apostles, at the beginning of the preaching of the Gospel. So that this is not the first time of the publishing of it. Or, taught from the beginning of the world, and recorded in the old testament.
V. 8. a new commandment] Joh. 13. 34. Whereas it might seem, by disuse, to be out of date, and buried in legall ceremonies; or abrogated, as some other things used in the old testament were; it is renewed in the new testament, and explained more fully. Or, it is called new, because we have daily new occasions of exercising our charity. Or, new, in regard of the manner of propounding (though old, for matter and substance) as being propounded formerly in our own example, Levit. 19. 18. now in the example of Christ, Joh. 13. 34.
which thing is true in him and in you] It is truely found in both. In him, who exercised love to us in the highest degree, in dying for us, Joh. 15. 13. In you, who must use charity towards others.
because] Or, that.
the darknesse is past] Shadows, …igures, Col. 2. 17. or state of ignorance and sin, wherein formerly ye lived, Rom. 13. 12. Ephes. 5. 8. 2 Pet. 1. 19.
the true light now shineth] Christ, who is the light it self. not enlightned by others, but enlightning others, Joh. 1. 8, 9. shineth in the Gospel, or in your hearts, 2 Cor. 4. 6. Or, ye have right knowledge and true holinesse within you.
V. 9. He that saith] See on chap. 1. 6, 8.
V. 10. no occasion of stumbling] Gr. no scandal.
V. 11. is in darknesse] Remains in his naturall condition, ignorant and wicked.
and walketh in darknesse] Liveth foolishly and ungodlily.
V. 12. Little children] See on v. 1.
because your sins are forgiven you] Because ye are reconciled to God, though ye be not so wise and strong as other Christians of longer standing, and further growth, 1 Cor. 3. 1. This is added, for the comfort of weak Christians, lest they should think the sins of strong ones onelyonly to be forgiven, and not theirs.
for his Names sake] Acts 4. 12. and 10. 43.
V. 13. Ye have known him that was from the beginning] Christ, Joh. 1. 1. 1 Joh. 1. 1. Ye are not onelyonly experienced in worldly things, but (which is a greater honour to you) ye have attained to the knowledge of Christ in a greater measure then other Christians.
because ye have overcome the wicked one] The devil, Matth. 6. 13. Rom. 16. 20. As old men are noted for wisedom, so young men for strength, and ability to conquer. Strong Christians get more victories over Satan then weak ones. The devil lays most snares for young men, as for them that are most prone to sin, and may serve him longest. But these young men have overcome him.
because ye have known the Father] Nothing is more needfull for children, then to have a father, whom they may repair to in their wants, and that may take care for them. These had found out God for their father.
V. 14. And the word of God abideth in you] 2 Joh. v. 2. Hence is your power to overcome Satan, Ephes. 6. 17. not from bodily strength, or naturall boldnesse.
V. 15. the world] The things that are pleasing in it to mans corrupt nature, and so far forth as they are such.
the love of the father is not in him] He loveth not God, Jam. 4. 4.
V. 16. all that is in the world] In price or account with worldly-minded men, as 1 Cor. 1. 28.
the lust of the flesh] Desire of pleasures, or wantonnesse.
the lust of the eyes] Desire of riches, or covetousnesse, Eccles. 5. 11.
the pride of life] Longing for worldly honours, which are most regarded in this life, Joh. 12. 42, 43. and it shews it self in our life; for pride cannot be kept in. Or, pride of the things or goods of this life: and so the same word is translated, chap. 3. 17. for riches puff men up, Psal. 73. 5, 6, &c. 1 Tim. 6. 17.
V. 17. the world passeth away] Men would always abide in places they love, and enjoy pleasures there; but that they cannot in this world: therefore love it not, 1 Cor. 7. 29, &c.
the lust thereof] Those things in the world that are lusted after; as v. 16. So hope is put for the thing hoped for, Rom. 8. 24. Col. 1. 5. And faith, for the thing believed, Jude v. 3.
V. 18. Little children] See v. 1.
it is the last time] Gr. hour. The beginning of the last age of the world, Heb. 1. 2. therefore love not the world, because ye can enjoy it but a while, Luke 12. 20. 1 Cor. 7. 29. This argument is good, whether it be understood of the neernesse of the end of the world, or of our leaving of the world by death; or, as others think, of the destruction of Jerusalem, before which false christs came, and at which time the Jews were deprived of their pleasures, wealth and honours. It may also signifie, that no new doctrine is to be expected; as Heb. 1. 2.
as ye have heard that antichrist shall come] Ye have heard of a noted antichrist, 2 Thess. 2. 3. &c. He is not yet come, but there are divers forerunners of him come into the world, Acts 20. 29, 30. 1 Tim 4. 1. &c.
there are many antichrists] Many false or pretended christs, such as in likelihood Judas and Theudas were, Acts 5. 36, 37. And afterward, Bar Co…haba, or Bar-Cozba, and others. Or, heretikes also, as Simon Magus, Ebion, Cerinthus, and the like.
whereby we know it is the last time] Because our Saviour foretold, that, towards the later end of times, many such should come, Matth. 24. 11, 24.
V. 19. They] Those antichrists, v. 18. Jude v. 19.
went out from us] Either from the body of Gods people, the Jews; or from the societie of professed Christians.
but they were not of us] Of us true believers, who cannot fall away, Matth. 24. 24. Joh. 6. 37. and 10. 28, 29. Rom. 8. 28, 29, 38, 39. 2 Tim. 2. 9. Marvel not, nor be not troubled, that many forsake Gods Church. If they had been sound mem…ers, they would never have done so. They were in the Church in body onelyonly, not in spirit; and the Church loseth nothing by their departure, as corn loseth nothing when the chaff is gone (but is the purer) nor the body, when bad humours are worn away.
that they might be made manifest] 1 Cor. 11. 19.
that they were not all of us] That none of them were of us.
An Hebrew phrase, as Psal. 143. 2. Chap. 3. 15. Or, that it might be made manifest in them, that all were not of us, that seemed to be so by their conversing with us.
V. 20. But ye have an unction] Ye need not fear seducing: Gods Word and Spirit will safeguard you from false teachers. The Spirit of God, that anointed Christ for a king and a priest, hath also anointed you to be such, spiritually, Rev. 1. 6. that ye may be able to guide and defend your selves against false teachers. Oil was used in consecration, Exod. 30. 25. Thereby are signified the gifts of the holy Ghost, bestowed on believers, whereby they are consecrated to God, Psal. 45. 7. Heb. 1. 9.
from the holy One] From Christ, in whom the graces of Gods Spirit are, as in a spring, to be communicated to us, Dan. 9. 24. Luke 1. 35. Joh. 1. 16. and 3. 34. Psal. 133. 2. Isa. 61. 1.
ye know all things] That are needfull for you to know, to preserve you from being seduced by these false teachers, Matth. 24. 24. or, that are necessary to guide you to heaven. See the like phrase, Col. 3. 20. For no man knows all things simply; that is Gods prerogative, Joh. 21. 17. nor any thing, so perfectly as they shall do in heaven, 1 Cor. 13. 9, 10, 12.
V. 21. I have not written unto you, because ye know not the truth] I write not unto you to acquaint you with any new doctrine, v. 7. but to confirm you further in the truth formerly taught you, and already known by you, 2 Pet. 1. 12.
no lye is of the truth] And that ye may be the better able thereby to discover the false doctrines of these seducers, considering how they swerve from it.
V. 22. Who is a lyer, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?]
What untruth can be more palpable, or more pernicious then this, that opposeth a truth that hath so pregnant and so plentifull evidences, and is the main scope of the whole Gospel, Joh. 20. 31.
He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son] The very word, antichrist, doth signifie a direct opposition to Christ, and that as he is the Son of God, Father: whereupon it followeth, by just consequence, that the deniall of the Son, is the deniall of the Father: and this is a just character of antichrist.
V. 23. Whosoever denieth the Son, &c.] The Jews thought it a wrong to God, to confesse that he had a Son. False teachers arose then, who taught, that it was injurious to God to make Christ equall to him. Both thought it sufficient to acknowledge the Father onelyonly to be God. John shews, that it is an injury to the Father to deny equall honour to his Son, Joh. 5. 23.
V. 24. which ye have heard from the beginning] See on vers. 7. When once we doubt of things taught in the Scripture, we soon are seduced.
ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father] What greater honour can we have, to encourage us to the constant profession of the truth?
V. 25. And this is the promise] What greater profit is there to set before us, then eternall life?
V. 26. These things have I written, &c.] I have done my part to warn you of these seducers: if ye be drawn away by them, it is your fault, Ezek. 33. 9. Acts 20. 26, 27, 29.
V. 27. But the anointing] See on v. 20.
abideth in you] Remaineth with you, to teach you on all occasions, though other teachers should fail.
ye need not that any man teach you] The true grounds of religion. Ye need onelyonly to persevere in the profession of them. Or, that I should take much pains to inform you in the truth, as v. 21.
of all things] See on v. 20.
ye shall abide] Or, ye will abide. I am so perswaded of you.
in him] In Christ, the holy One, v. 20. by faith and imitation. Or, in it. In that which this anointing hath taught you.
V. 28. when he shall appear] In judgement, Col. 3. 4.
V. 29. that he is righteous] Christ, of whom he spake last: or, God the Father, of whom we are new born.
ye know] Or, know ye.
doth righteousnesse] Liveth righteously, 1 Joh. 3. 7.
is born of him] Sheweth the truth of his regeneration according to Gods image, by his godly life, Eph. 4. 24. 1 Joh. 3. 7.
CHAP. III.
Vers. 1. BEhold] Take notice of it, as of a certain truth, and a great priviledge, Joh. 1. 12.
what manner of love] And how great, Matth. 8. 27.
that we should be called the Sons of God] Both be so, and also acknowledged, Matth. 5. 9.
the world knoweth us not] To be Gods children, and therefore loveth us not, but hateth us, Joh. 15. 21, 24. and 16. 3.
V. 2. now are we the sons of God] Joh. 1. 12, 13. For we have received the Spirit of adoption here, Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4. 5. and so have right to glory, as Gods children.
and it doth not yet appear] Or, but it doth not yet appear, as Mat. 11. 19. It hath not yet been made manifest.
what we shall be] How glorious we shall be.
but we know] See on chap. 2. 28. Or, it shall appear; as in this verse before.
we shall be like him] Col. 3. 4. Phil. 3. 21.
for we shall see him] And therefore must be made like him; else are we not fit to live ever in his presence, which is called seeing of God, Matth. 5. 8. Heb. 12. 14.
as he is] As he is now, in glory, not as he was, in the form of a servant, Joh. 17. 24. Phil. 2. 7, 9. and 3. 21.
V. 3. every man that hath this hope] All that look for salvation by Christ, besides the righteousnesse imputed by God, seek to be inherently holy.
in him] Or, on him. On Christ.
purifieth himself] Matth. 5. 8. Heb. 12. 14.
V. 4. Whosoever committeth sin] Good men must not flatter themselves in their sins, nor give way to their infirmities, as if they were no sins; for they are breaches of Gods law.
transgresseth also the law] It condemns their opinion, who think, that such as are freed from the curse of the law by faith in Christ, are not subject to the command of it, 2 Pet. 2. 19. Jude v. 4.
sin is the transgression of the law] For, where there is no law there is no transgression, Rom. 4. 15. and 5. 13. And these two are convertible: for every transgression is a sin, and every sin is a transgression.
V. 5. he was manifested] Christ took our nature on him, 1 Tim. 3. 16. Chap. 1. 2.
to take away our sins] The guilt of them, by his blood, chap. 1. 7. Rev. 1. 5. The filth of them, by his Spirit, 1 Cor. 6. 11.
and in him is no sin] Who neither did sin, nor had sin, 2 Cor. 5. 21. Heb. 7. 26. and 4. 15. We must not continue in sin, because Christ came to take sin away, and had no sin in himself. Or, for those two reasons, we must not despair of pardon of sin.
V. 6. Whosoever abideth in him] Joh. 15. 4, 5.
sinneth not] Doth nor practiseth sin, as v. 8, 9. Joh. 8. 34. Maketh it not his trade. He sinneth not out of malice, or, liveth not in a course of known sin.
hath not seen him] Had never any true sight of him, much lesse was ever thorowly acquainted with him, Matth. 7. 23. Joh. 10. 14.
V. 7. Little children] See on chap. 2. 1.
he that doeth righteousnesse] Not that heareth or talketh of it onelyonly.
is righteous] Doth shew that he is so. chap. 2. 29.
as he is righteous] Like him, as Levit. 11. 44. 1 Pet. 1. 16. Matth. 5. 48. not equall to him, as 1 Sam. 2. 2.
V. 8. He that committeth sin] With plotting beforehand, and delight in it, Rom. 13. 14. and practising it, as v. 6.
is of the devil] Joh. 8. 44. Acts 13. 10.
the devil sinneth] Continueth sinning still.
from the beginning] Of the creation, or, of sin; for he was the first sinner, Joh. 8. 44.
the Son of God was manifested] See on v. 5.
that he might destroy] Gr. dissolve. For many things are destroyed by dissolution.
the works of the devil] Our sins, as v. 5. and the power the devil hath over us, by occasion of them, 2 Tim. 2. 26.
V. 9. is born] Gr. hath been born, or, begotten, as chap. 5. 1.
doth not commit sin] See on v. 6.
for his seed] The graces of the holy Ghost, by whose power he was regenerate.
remaineth in him] Holinesse, planted in him by God, keeps him from sinfull courses, and, like good seed, makes him bring forth good fruit; whereas before, like ground not sown, he brought forth nothing but the weeds of sin.
cannot sin] See v. 6.
V. 10. whosoever doeth not righteousnesse] Purity of life, and charity, are two sure signes of a childe of God.
V. 11. message] Or, commandment.
from the beginning] See on chap. 2. 7.
one another] Not our kinred onelyonly, but others also, and that mutually.
V. 12. Not as Cain] Let us not do as Caindid: or, not that we should do as Cain.
of that wicked one] The devil, the first murderer, chap. 2. 14. Joh. 8. 44.
and slew his brother] Gen. 4. 8.
because his own works were evil, and his brothers righteous] Out of meer envie, and malice proceeding from it, Psal. 38. 20.
V. 13. Marvel not, if the world hate you] Because the same spirit of envie that was in Cain, and the same occasions, are still in the world, Gen. 3. 15. Joh. 15. 18, 19.
V. 14. We know] We do not onelyonly hope for it for hereafter, but know it now, chap. 5. 13.
that we have passed] Already, and are in the state of grace and life.
from death unto life] Out of the state of nature, which leads to hell, into the state of grace, which tends to heaven, Joh. 5. 24. Chap. 4. 7.
because we love the brethren] This is not the cause of our passing from death to life; but the cause of our knowledge thereof, or the mark whereby we know it; as Luke 7. 47.
V. 15. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a murderer] For he standeth guilty of transgressing the sixth commandment, Matth. 5. 22.
no murderer hath eternall life] Gal. 5. 21. Rev. 21. 8.
V. 16. the love of God] The truth of it, or the force of it, Joh. 15. 13. Rom. 5. 8. Chap. 4. 9.
because he laid down his life] Because Christ died for us, Joh. 10. 15. He shewed love to us, in his incarnation; but most of all, in laying down his life willingly for us, Joh. 10. 17. He needed not to have done it.
for us] Whom he had no need of, nor no cause given to love; but much cause to hate, Rom. 5. 8, 9.
V. 17. whose hath this worlds good] That is, things needfull for preserving life. So Mark 12. 44. Luk. 8. 43. and 15. 12. and 21. 4.
his brother] His neighbour, especially a believer, Gal. 6. 10. whom he ought to relieve, because they are brethren.
shutteth up his bowels] Sheweth, by not relieving him, that he is not at all moved with any pitie of his wants, or compassion of him, Lam. 2. 12. Luke 1. 78. Phil. 1. 8. and 2. 1. Col. 3. 12. 2 Cor. 7. 15. Philem. v. 7, 12. Isa. 63. 15. For pitie doth, as it were, open the bowels, Gen. 43. 20. 1 Kings 3. 16. Matth. 9. 36. Fraternall charity, should come from maternall affection.
how dwelleth the love of God in him?] It cannot abide in him, let him brag of it never so much, chap. 4. 20. James 2. 15. The love of God, and of our neighbour, are inseparable, Matth. 22. 38, 39. Chap. 4. 21. and 5. 1.
V. 18. My little children] See on chap. 2. 1.
let us not love in word] Not in word onelyonly; as Hos. 6. 6. Matth. 9. 13. and 12. 7. Rom. 2. 28. By giving good words, without actuall relief, which is nothing worth, Jam. 2. 15.
and in truth] Not giving to avoid the importunity of the poor, as Luke 18. 4, 5. but out of love to them, and pitie of their wants. Or, in deed and in truth. Because that is true charity, which is manifested by deeds.
V. 19. And hereby] Or, For hereby. See on chap. 2. 2.
that we are of the truth] Sincere Christians, not hypocrites Or, professours of the heavenly truth, and livers according to it, Joh. 18. 37. Or, the true children of God, v. 10. Chap. 4. 4, 6. Therefore it followeth, before him.
shall assure our hearts] Gr. perswade. It hath no assurance by nature, and needeth suresignes to perswade it, that we are sincere, and in favour with him, Luke 1. 6.
before him] Before Christ with confidence, chap. 4. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 10.
V. 20. if our heart condemn us] Though our life be so fair, that no man condemn us, nor our words or deeds bewray us; yet if our heart condemn us, either of a secret wicked course of life, or of want of charity, v. 17. God will much more do it, Job 34. 22. Psal. 19. 12.
condemn us] Or, passe sentence against us, according to the Greek etymologie.
God is greater then our heart] We must take notice that God is greater then our heart, chap. 4. 4. and therefore will condemn us much more, chap. 5. 9. Job 32. 21, 22. and 33. 12. For he is more powerfull, Joh. 10. 29.
and knoweth all things] Gen. 1. 31. Job 28. 24. 2 Chron. 16. 9. Prov. 15 11. Heb. 4. 13. And therefore knoweth our secret sins, which we know not: and hath more cause, as well as power, to condemn us.
V. 21. if our heart condemn us not] Of hypocrisie, or want of charity, as v. 20.
confidence] To pray freely to him, as v. 22.
V. 22. whatsoever we ask, &c.] If we love our brethren, we may be sure God will hear us, and grant our requests, Mat. 7. 7, 8. and 21. 22. Mark 11. 24. Luke 11. 9, 10. Joh. 14. 13, 14. and 16. 23, 24. Otherwise we have cause to doubt of it.
because we keep] Not for our merit, but for his mercifull promise to hear such, Dan. 9. 18. Joh. 9. 31.
his commandment] Gr. commandments. Of faith in Christ, and love of God and man, v. 23. Chap. 4. 21.
V. 23. on the Name of his Son] On his Son, as he hath declared himself in his Gospel, chap. 2. 12. Acts 2. 21. Rom. 10. 13.
as he gave us commandment] Joh. 13. 34. and 14. 1.
V. 24. And he that] Or, For he that; as v. 19. Chap. 2. 2.
dwelleth in him] Abideth joyned to him by faith, Joh. 6. 56. Eph. 3. 17.
and he in him] By his Spirit, as followeth in this verse. By the Spirit, is meant the gifts of the Spirit, Rom. 8. 10, 11.
CHAP. IIII.
Vers. 1. BElieve not every spirit] Every doctrine propounded as received by inspiration from Gods Spirit. Or, every teacher that saith, he hath such a revelation, 1 Cor. 14. 26, 29, 32.
trie the spirits] False teachers will boast of the Spirit, and therefore we must trie what spirit their doctrine cometh from; and that by the touch-stone of Gods word, with all diligence, Joh. 5. 39. Acts 17. 11. 1 Thess. 5. 21. Revel. 2. 2. 1 Thess. 5. 21.
whether they are of Gods] By inspiration or revelation.
many false prophets] Chap. 2. 18. 2 Pet. 2. 1.
V. 2. Every spirit] See on v. 1.
that confesseth, &c.] And withall embraceth Christ, by relying on him for eternall life. Or, it may be interpreted negatively; No spirit that denieth it, is of God. As 1 Cor. 10. 31. Do all to Gods glory: that is, Do nothing to dishonour him, by offe…ng his children, as v. 32.
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh] Clothed with it. Is become true man, Joh. 1. 14. He doth not say, It come into the flesh, lest any should deny the personall union of both natures in Christ, or think his Godhead comprehended within the limits of his body: but, in the flesh, Rom. 8. 3. 1 Tim. 3. 16.
is of God] Is sent of God, and preacheth true doctrine; as v. 6. Yet his person may be unregenerate, as Judas was. Or, doth so far forth speak from God, 1 Cor. 12. 3.
V. 3. And every spirit] Or, But every spirit; as chap. 3. 2.
that spirit of antichrist] See on chap. 2. 18.
V. 4. ye are of God] Bred of God, as his children, chap. 5. 1. Joh. 1. 13. James 1. 18▪ 1 Pet. 1. 3, 23. Though there be so many seducers, yet ye are safe, as having discerned and overcome their allurements, by the wisedome and power of God dwelling in you.
little children] See on chap. 2. 1.
and have overcome them] Those false prophets, v. 1. and antichrists, v. 3.
for greater is he that is in you] Chap. 2. 20. Gods Spirit, chap. 3. 24. Ye overcame them not by your own strength, but by Gods Spirit dwelling in you, Rom. 8. 37. Phil. 4. 13. Revel. 12. 11.
then he that is in the world] The devil, Joh. 12. 31. 1 Cor. 2. 12. Eph. 2. 2. and 6. 12.
V. 5. They are of the world] Wicked and unregenerate men, Joh. 15. 19. and 17. 9.
therefore speak they of the world, &c.] Because they are of the world, they speak sutably, and are heard readily: for, being sensuall themselves, 1 Cor. 2. 14. and speaking to such as themselves, of things pleasing to them, as they have learned by their senses; here men readily hearken to them. Joh. 3. 31.
V. 6. We are of God] Those false teachers, v. 1, 3, 5. are not sent of God to preach his truth, as we are, Joh. 3. 31.
he that knoweth God, heareth us] Assenteth to our doctrine, and not to those false teachers, Joh. 10. 3, 5.
hereby know we, &c.] By teaching the same doctrine which, the other apostles taught. For Gods Spirit varieth not from himself: and he hath given the word for a perpetuall rule to try the spirits by, Isai. 8. 20.
the Spirit of truth] True teachers, who have received the truth by inspiration of Gods Spirit. See on v. 1.
V. 7. is born of God] Chap. 3. 9. and 5. 1.
and knoweth God] Chap. 2. 3.
V. 8. God is love] He doth not call God Loving but Love it self: for love is essentiall to him, and cannot be parted from him.
knoweth not God] See on chap. 3. 6.
V. 9. In this was manifested the love of God] In nothing more, then in giving Christ for us, chap. 3. 16. Joh. 3. 16. Rom. 8. 3, 32. Gal. 4. 4, 5.
his onelyonly begotten Son] And therefore most dear to him, Mat. 3. 17. Gen. 22. 2.
that we might live through him] Joh. 3. 6. Under life, is contained all happinesse.
V. 10. Herein is love] He loved us freely, doing good to us, and looking for no good from us: we cannot so love him, but must love him for his gifts, as well as for himself. Ours therefore is not worthy of the name of love, in comparison of his, because it cannot be every way so free. And the pure nature of love is more seen in Gods love to us, then in ours to him.
not that we loved God] So freely as he loved us. Or, first, as v. 9. Or, we were so far from loving him, as that we hated him, Rom. 5. 8, 10.
to be the propitiation for our sins] See on chap. 2. 2. His love appeared the more, in that he sent his Son not onelyonly to teach us the way to heaven, but also to die for us.
V. 11. If God] Or, Seeing God. For he doth not doubt whether God loveth us or no, but infers from Gods love to us, that we ought to love others. See the like phrase, 1 Pet. 4. 18.
so loved us] If he, being so great, so freely loved us, vile, wretched, unworthy and ungratefull persons, as not onelyonly to give his creatures to us, but also his Son to death for us, we ought to love others, that differ not so much from us, though they deserve it not of us. See on v. 10. They may do us good hereafter, we cannot to God.
V. 12. No man hath seen God] I propound not God simply to be imitated in all things, because he is invisible, Joh. 1. 18. 1 Tim. 1. 17. Exod. 33. 10. but in his love to us, which hath been so fully manifested. Or, ye may more easily love your brother, whom ye can see, then God, whom ye cannot see; as vers. 20.
if we love one another] As we know we have a soul in us, by the working of it, though we see it not: so we know that God is in us, if his Spirit hath wrought love in us to his children.
his love is perfected in us] Chap. 2. 5. He makes us sure that he loves us. Or, he makes us love him more fully. Or, to know that our love to him is true, v. 17. Or, our love to him is more fully manifested, 2 Cor. 12. 9. Jam. 2. 22.
V. 13. that we dwell in him] Chap. 3. 24.
of his Spirit] Some graces of his Spirit in our measure, Joh. 1. 16. Numb. 11. 17. Not all of them, or without measure, as to Christ, Joh. 3. 34.
V. 14. And we have seen, &c.] See chap. 1. 1, 3. 1 Cor. 15. 5. 2 Pet. 1. 16.
V. 15. Whosoever confesseth, &c.] See on v. 2. 1 Cor. 12. 3.
dwelleth in him] See chap. 3. 24.
V. 16. God is love] See on v. 8. He is love it self; yet sometimes he is called Loving, lest we should think him to be a quality, and not a living substance.
and he that] Or, therefore he that, as 1 Cor. 5. 13.
dwelleth in God, and God in him] Chap. 3. 24.
V. 17. Herein is our love] Gr. love with us, as 1 Cor. 15. 10.
made perfect] V. 12. Chap. 2. 5.
that we may have boldnesse] Or, freedom, or confidence, Chap. 4. 19, 21. Matth. 25. 34, 35.
as he is, so are we] Sincere in his love to us. See on chap. 3. 3. Luke 6. 36. 2 Cor. 3. 18. Ephes. 4. 14. Col. 3. 10. Heb. 12. 10. 2 Pet. 1. 4.
in this world] Even while we abide here, Joh. 17. 11, 15.
V. 18. There is no fear in love] If we know by love, that God is in us, and we in him, v. 16. we may well be fearlesse of damnation, and not give way to terrours of conscience, timorousnesse, or desparation. There is no cause of fear of hell, Rom. 8. 31.
perfect love] Sincere, without hypocrisie; as chap. 3. 18, 19. Or, full, wanting no degree, James 1. 4.
casteth out fear] He that truely loveth God, doth not forbear sin for fear of …ell onelyonly, but rather out of love to God: as a loving wife forbeareth all disloyall and undutifull carriage, not for fear of death, so much as out of love to her husband, 2 Tim. 1. 7. Or, Servile fear doth not exercise his work, while love doth exercise his; but sometimes it may be of good use in a good man, when the flesh would prevail. Or, perfect love in heaven, casteth out all fear of hell.
V. 19. because he loved us first] V. 10. Not onelyonly because of his excellency, which is most worthy of love; but also because he hath cast his love upon us, and therefore is no way indebted to us for our love.
V. 20. How can he love God, &c.] If visible objects move him not, invisible will not, chap. 3. 17.
V. 21. this commandment] Matth. 22. 37, 38, 39.
CHAP. V.
Vers. 1. WHosoever believeth, &c.] See on chap. 4. 2.
is born of God] Chap. 3. 9. & 4. 7. Joh. 1. 12, 13.
loveth him that is begotten also] Loveth Christ, or all Gods children, chap. 4. 21.
V. 2. we love the children of God, when we love God] Gods children bearing Gods image, we cannot love God, but we must needs love them: And our love to God, shews that we love them in and for God.
his commandments] Whereof six, to wit, all of the second table, require love of the brethren.
V. 3. The love of God] Wherewith we love him, not wherewith he loveth us.
his commandments are not grievous] Because Gods Spirit gives us power and will to do them, Matth. 11. 30. Rom. 8. 2. 4. Phil. 2. 12, 13. And because we love him, we will readily obey him. And God removeth rubs, and maketh our way smooth before us, Prov. 4. 11, 12. Isa. 26. 7.
V. 4. is born of God] Vers. 1.
overcometh the world] See chap. 2. 15. Or, Satans temptations, who worketh by the world. Or, that which savours of the world, against God, or right reason. These he hath overcome in part already, and shall wholly, as sure as if he had already done it. So the Scripture speaketh of things to come, as past, to shew the certainty of them, Hos. 10. 7. Rev. 14. 8. and 18. 2.
the victory] The means whereby we have begun to conquer, and shall finish it.
our faith] Whereby we lay hold on Christ, and apply his victory to us, Joh. 16. 33. 1 Cor. 15. 57. Rev. 12. 11. Chap. 4. 4. and get strength from him to go on in this spirituall warfare, till we have fully overcome all Satans temptations, Rom. 16. 20. 1 Pet. 5. 9.
V. 5. Who is he, &c.] Not that every one that believeth this, overcometh the world, but none else do it. See on chap. 4. 2.
V. 6. that came by water and blood] That shed water and blood out of his side, Joh. 19. 34, 35. Or, that observed the legal washings and sacrifices. Or, that appointed two sacraments, one in water, the other in wine, a type of his blood. Or, that washeth away the filth of our sins by his Spirit, and the guilt of them by his Blood. Of the first, the legal washings were a type: of the second, the sacrifices.
it is the Spirit that leareth witnesse] By descending on Christ like a dove, Matth. 3. 16. Joh. 1. 32, 33. Or, by raising him from the dead, Rom. 1. 4. Or, by working miracles by him. Or, by assuring us of it in the word, and in our consciences: for, the Spirit is of Gods privie councel, Joh. 14. 26. and 15. 26. and 16. 13. 1 Cor. 2. 10, 11.
the Spirit is truth] And therefore cannot bear false witnesse of Christ to us, as being truth it self.
V. 7. For there are three] The sixth verse may be in a parenthesis; and this verse may give a reason of the end of the fifth verse, that Christ is the Son of God: of which, not the Spirit alone, but the Father and the Son bear witnesse also.
that bear record in heaven] Or, in heaven, that bear record: To wit, to us men on earth, that Christ is the Messias, or Son of God. The Father, Joh. 5. 32. and 8. 18. by voice, Matth. 3. 17. The Son, by miracles, Joh. 5. 36. The holy Ghost, by cloven tongues, Acts 2. 3, 4, 33.
the word] Christ himself, chap. 1. 1. Joh. 1. 1.
these three are one] In essence, though they be three distinct persons, Joh. 10. 30. and agree in their testimony concerning Christ.
V. 8. There are three that bear witnesse in earth] Or, There are three in earth, that bear witnesse.
the Spirit, &c.] See on v. 6. Some understand it of the spirit which he sent forth on the crosse at his death, Matth. 27. 50. which, with the water and blood coming out of his side, shewed him to be true man.
these three agree in one] Gr. are for one thing: or, are for that one thing: To wit, to testifie of Christ, as the heavenly witnesses did, v. 7.
V. 9. This is the witnesse of God] Testified by the three heavenly and earthly witnesses, v. 7, 8. Of Christ, and of salvation by him, v. 11, 12.
V. 10. The witnesse] Or, That witnesse, mentioned, v. 9, 11.
a lyer] Chap. 1. 10. He believeth that he doth, or at least, that he can lye. He hath made him a lyer: To wit, in his heart: for he would not have doubted of the truth of his testimony, if he had not first suspected the truth of God himself.
V. 11. And this is the record] Or, Even this is the record. So the particle is used, Mark 4. 25. For the tenth verse may be in a parenthesis, as not including the testimony, (which is recorded in this verse) but shewing who have this testimony in them. See the like on v. 7.
this life is in his Son] The originall of it is in Christ. We have it for his merits, and derived unto us from him by his Spirit, Joh. 10. 10.
V. 12. He that hath the Son] By faith dwelling in his heart, Eph. 3. 17.
hath life] Is raised from death to life, chap. 3. 14. and hath in him a principle of eternall life, Joh. 3. 36.
V. 13. These things have I written] Joh. 20. 31. On the Name of the Son of God, chap. 3. 23.
that ye may have eternall life] A right to it, and earnest of it, here, and the thing it self in heaven, in perpetuall joy and happinesse.
and that ye may believe] That ye may persevere, encrease and grow strong in faith.
V. 14. This is the confidence] This faith, v. 13. is the ground of our confidence in prayer. Or, we not onelyonly believe, as v. 13. but also have confidence in prayer.
in him] In Christ. Or, concerning him.
he heareth us] And will give us what we ask, v. 15. chap. 3. 21, 22.
V. 15. we know that we have the petitions] That we shall have them granted, as surely as if we had the things already which we pray for. See on v. 14. Joh. 14. 13, 14. and 16. 23, 24, 26. Gods hearing us, then, is granting our requests.
V. 16. his brother] Therefore he must pray for him, because he is his brother.
a sin which is not unto death] Which doth not necessarily bring damnation (though it deserve it) as the sin against the holy Ghost doth, because God will not give repentance to any that committeth that sin, Heb. 6. 4, 6.
he shall ask] Or, let him ask, Pardon for that sinner.
he shall give him] Christ, mentioned v. 13.
life] Salvation, or deliverance from destruction, when his sin is pardoned at the others request, Job 42. 8. which sheweth that he deserved hell.
for them] Not for one onelyonly, but for many such sinners.
there is a sin unto death] The sin against the holy Ghost, which is unpardonable, Matth. 12. 31, 32. Heb. 6. 4, 6.
I do not say that he shall pray for it] I do not advise him to pray for pardon for any that hath committed that sin: or, I forbid him to do it.
V. 17. All unrighteousnesse is sin] As chap. 3. 4.
and there is] Or, but there is; as chap. 4. 3. Or, yet there is; as chap. 2. 1.
a sin not unto death] Which may be repented of, and forgiven. See on v. 16.
V. 18. is born of God] Chap. 3. 9.
sinneth not] That sin to death, v. 16. Or, liveth not in a sinfull course; as chap. 3. 6, 9.
keepeth himself] From that sin unpardonable.
that wicked one] The devil, Matth. 6. 13. Chap. 2. 13, 14. and 3. 12.
toucheth him not] So as to bring him to that sin, and to hell. Or, cannot do him the least hurt, Job 2. 5.
V. 19. We are of God] Chap. 4. 6.
the whole world lieth in wickednesse] All men out of Christ, Joh. 17. 9, 16. are altogether buried in sin: or, lie in it, as in a deep dungeon, or a dead sleep.
V. 20. And we know] Or, But we know; as v. 17.
that the Son of God is come] See chap. 4. 2.
and hath given us understanding] Jer. 24. 7.
him that is true] The true God, v. 19. as followeth in this verse, opposed to idols, v. 21. Or, Christ, spoken of before in this verse.
even in his Son] Or, and in his Son. We are in the Father, and in the Son, chap. 2. 24.
this is the true God] Christ is the true God, Joh. 17. 3. Tit. 2. 13. and 3. 4. Jude v. 25.
and eternall life] The authour of it, v. 11. Chap. 1. 2. Joh. 6, 68, 69.
V. 21. Little children] See on chap. 2. 1.
keep your selves from idols] From image-worship: for, idol and image signifie the same thing, but onelyonly the one is a Greek word originally, and the other a Latine. This overthroweth popish serving God in images, and adviseth men to be carefull to avoid not onelyonly palpable idolatry, but all dealing with idols.
Amen] See on Matth. 6. 13. Jude v. 25.