King James Version
1 John 4
21 verses with commentary
Test the Spirits
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.</strong> Following chapter 3's conclusion about the Spirit, John warns believers to test spiritual claims. "Beloved" (<em>agapētoi</em>) introduces urgent pastoral counsel. "Believe not every spirit" (<em>mē panti pneumati pisteuete</em>)—the present impe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**IV.**
(6) NOT ALL SPIRITS ARE THE RESULT OF THE SONSHIP: NECESSITY OF EXAMINING THEM (1John 4:1-6).
(*a*)*The difference among spirits* (1John 4:1).
(*b*)*The measure* (1John 4:2-3).
(*c*)*The encouragement* (1John 4:4).
(*d*)*The condemnation* (1John 4:5).
(*e*)*Inference and conclusion* (1John 4:6).
The mention of faith in 1John 3:23 had reminded St. John of the danger of intellectual, as well...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Ye have condemned ... the just--**The Greek aorist expresses, "Ye are accustomed to condemn ... the just." Their condemnation of Christ, "the Just," is foremost in James' mind. But all the innocent blood shed, and to be shed, is included, the Holy Spirit comprehending James himself, called "the Just," who was slain in a tumult. See my Introduction. This gives a peculiar appropriateness to the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God.</strong> John provides the christological test for discerning true teaching. "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God" (<em>en toutō ginōskete to pneuma tou theou</em>)—this criterion enables identification of God's Spirit versus false spirits. "Every spirit that confesseth" (<em>pan p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Be patient therefore--**as judgment is so near (Jas 5:1, 3), ye may well afford to be "patient" after the example of the unresisting Just one (Jas 5:6).
**brethren--**contrasted with the "rich" oppressors, Jas 5:1-6.
**unto the coming of the Lord--**Christ, when the trial of your patience shall cease.
**husbandman waiteth for--**that is, patiently bears toils and delays through hope of ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.</strong> John presents the negative test—denial of Christ's incarnation reveals false teaching. "Every spirit that confesseth not" (<em>kai pan pneuma ho mē homologei</em>)—the n...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. coming ... draweth nigh--**The Greek expresses present time and a settled state. 1Pe 4:7, "is at hand." We are to live in a continued state of expectancy of the Lord's coming, as an event always nigh. Nothing can more "stablish the heart" amidst present troubles than the realized expectation of His speedy coming.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.</strong> This verse provides profound assurance to believers facing false teachers and spiritual opposition. "Ye are of God" (<em>ek tou theou este</em>) declares believers' origin and belonging—they derive from God, are born of God, and belong to His family. The tend...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Grudge not--**rather "Murmur not"; "grumble not." The Greek is literally, "groan": a half-suppressed murmur of impatience and harsh judgment, not uttered aloud or freely. Having exhorted them to patience in bearing wrongs from the wicked, he now exhorts them to a forbearing spirit as to the offenses given by brethren. Christians, who bear the former patiently, sometimes are impatient at the l...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.</strong> John contrasts false teachers with true believers. "They are of the world" (<em>autoi ek tou kosmou eisin</em>)—false prophets belong to the world system organized in rebellion against God. Their origin, allegiance, and values align with the world, not God. This explains their teaching's characte...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. the prophets--**who were especially persecuted, and therefore were especially "blessed."
**example of suffering affliction--**rather, simply, "of affliction," literally, "evil treatment."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.</strong> John contrasts the apostolic message with false teaching. "We are of God" (<em>hēmeis ek tou theou esmen</em>)—the apostles belong to God, commissioned by Christ, inspired by the Spirit. Their teaching originates from God, not human wisd...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. count them happy--**(Mt 5:10).
**which endure--**The oldest authorities read, "which have endured," which suits the sense better than English Version: "Those who in past days, like the prophets and Job, have endured trials." Such, not those who "have lived in pleasure and been wanton on the earth" (Jas 5:5), are "happy."
**patience--**rather, "endurance," answering to "endure": the Greek...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →God Is Love
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.</strong> This verse begins John's most concentrated teaching on divine love, establishing love's origin, nature, and evidence. The address "Beloved" (<em>agapētoi</em>) identifies readers as objects of God's love before commanding them to love—we love because we are loved. "Let ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) THE PERFECT LOVE THE SUREST TEST (1John 4:7-21).
(*a*)*Fraternal love the necessary product of the true knowledge of God, because God is love* (1John 4:7-8).
(*b*)*The grand recent historical exhibition of God’s love* (1John 4:9-10).
(c)*Our consequent duty* (1John 4:11).
(*d*)*God’s abode in us, the perfecting of His love in us, and the proof of His presence through the Spirit, are the equiva...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. But above all--**as swearing is utterly alien to the Christian meek "endurance" just recommended.
**swear not--**through impatience, to which trials may tempt you (Jas 5:10, 11). In contrast to this stands the proper use of the tongue, Jas 5:13. James here refers to Mt 5:34, &c.
**let your yea be yea--**Do not use oaths in your everyday conversation, but let a simple affirmative or d...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.</strong> This verse presents the negative corollary to verse 7's positive statement, followed by Christianity's most concentrated definition of God's nature. "He that loveth not" uses the present participle, indicating habitual lack of love as lifestyle. "Knoweth not God" uses the same verb (<em>ginōskei</em>) as verse 7—this is experien...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. afflicted--**referring to the "suffering affliction" (Jas 5:10).
**let him pray--**not "swear" in rash impatience.
**merry--**joyous in mind.
**sing psalms--**of praise. Paul and Silas sang psalms even in affliction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.</strong> John describes God's love's ultimate demonstration. "In this was manifested the love of God toward us" (<em>en toutō ephanerōthē hē agapē tou theou en hēmin</em>)—God's love wasn't merely proclaimed but visibly demonstrated. <em>Phaneroō</em...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. let him call for the elders--**not some one of the elders, as Roman Catholics interpret it, to justify their usage in extreme unction. The prayers of the elders over the sick would be much the same as though the whole Church which they represent should pray [Bengel].
**anointing him with oil--**The usage which Christ committed to His apostles was afterwards continued with laying on of hand...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.</strong> This verse defines authentic love by contrasting its source and demonstrating its nature. "Herein is love" (<em>en toutō estin hē agapē</em>) points to love's true definition and demonstration—not in abstract concept but in concrete historical action. John immediately...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. prayer--**He does not say the oil shall save: it is but the symbol.
**save--**plainly not as Rome says, "save" the soul. but heal "the sick": as the words, "the Lord shall raise him up," prove. So the same Greek is translated, "made (thee) whole," Mt 9:21, 22.
**and if ... sins--**for not all who are sick are so because of some special sins. Here a case is supposed of one visited with si...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.</strong> This verse presents the logical and moral imperative flowing from divine love. The Greek term <em>agapetos</em> (ἀγαπητός, "beloved") addresses believers as objects of God's covenant love, establishing their identity before commanding their response. The conditional particle <em>ei</em> (εἰ, "if") introduces not doubt...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
16. The oldest authorities read, "Confess, THEREFORE," &c. Not only in the particular case of sickness, but universally confess.
**faults--**your falls and offenses, in relation to one another. The word is not the same as sins. Mt 5:23, 24; Lu 17:4, illustrate the precept here.
**one to another--**not to the priest, as Rome insists. The Church of England recommends in certain cases. Rome c...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.</strong> John returns to the theme of love's evidence. "No man hath seen God at any time" (<em>theon oudeis pōpote tetheātai</em>)—the perfect tense indicates a permanent truth. God in His essential nature is invisible to human eyes (John 1:18, 1 Timothy 6:16). The incarnation rev...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. Elias ... like passions as we--**therefore it cannot be said that he was so raised above us as to afford no example applicable to common mortals like ourselves.
**prayed earnestly--**literally, "prayed with prayer": Hebraism for prayed intensely. Compare Lu 22:15, "With desire I have desired," that is, earnestly desired. Alford is wrong in saying, Elias' prayer that it might not rain "is n...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.</strong> John provides another test for assurance—the Spirit's presence. "Hereby know we" (<em>en toutō ginōskomen</em>)—this provides certain knowledge, not speculation. "That we dwell in him, and he in us" (<em>hoti en autō menomen kai autos en hēmin</em>)—the mutual indwelling restated from 3:24. ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. prayed ... and--**that is, "and so." Mark the connection between the prayer and its accomplishment.
**her fruit--**her usual and due fruit, heretofore withheld on account of sin. Three and a half years is the time also that the two witnesses prophesy who "have power to shut and open heaven that it rain not."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.</strong> John grounds assurance in apostolic eyewitness testimony. "And we have seen" (<em>kai hēmeis tetheametha</em>)—the perfect tense emphasizes that the apostles saw and continue as eyewitnesses. This refers to their experience with the incarnate Christ—they saw, heard, and touched Him (1:1-3)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19. The blessing of reclaiming an erring sinner by the mutual consent and intercessory prayer just recommended.
**do err--**more literally, "be led astray."
**the truth--**the Gospel doctrine and precepts.
**one--**literally, "any"; as "any" before. Everyone ought to seek the salvation of everyone [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.</strong> John provides another test for assurance—confession of Christ. "Whosoever shall confess" (<em>hos ean homologēsē</em>)—<em>homologeō</em> means to confess, acknowledge, declare openly. This is public profession, not private belief only. True faith confesses Christ openly (Romans 10:9-10). The...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. Let him--**the converted.
**know--**for his comfort, and the encouragement of others to do likewise.
**shall save--**future. The salvation of the one so converted shall be manifested hereafter.
**shall hide a multitude of sins--**not his own, but the sins of the converted. The Greek verb in the middle voice requires this. Pr 10:12 refers to charity "covering" the sins of others before ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.</strong> John summarizes his teaching on God's love. "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us" (<em>kai hēmeis egnōkamen kai pepisteukamen tēn agapēn hēn echei ho theos en hēmin</em>). The perfect tenses emphasize past experience with c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE FIRST EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. our love: Gr. love with us
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.</strong> John connects perfected love with confident anticipation of judgment. "Herein is our love made perfect" (<em>en toutō teteleiōtai hē agapē meth' hēmōn</em>)—love reaches its goal or completion "with us" (variant readings have "in us" or "among us"). The per...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-17**
Our lips must be governed by the law of kindness, as well as truth and justice. Christians are brethren. And to break God's commands, is to speak evil of them, and to judge them, as if they laid too great a restraint upon us. We have the law of God, which is a rule to all; let us not presume to set up our own notions and opinions as a rule to those about us, and let us be care...
Read full commentary →There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
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KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the paradox that defines Christian maturity: the inverse relationship between love and fear. The Greek word 'agape' (divine love) represents God's self-giving, covenant love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. 'Perfect love casteth out fear' employs the word 'ekstasis' in translation principle - meaning to drive out, expel, or displace completely. Fear (Greek 'phobos') her...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
Its genuineness is attested by 2Pe 3:1. On the authority of Second Peter, see the Introduction. Also by Polycarp (in Eusebius [Ecclesiastical History, 4.14]), who, in writing to the Philippians, quotes many passages: in the second chapter he quotes 1Pe 1:13, 21; 3:9; in the fifth chapter, 1Pe 2:11. Eusebius says of Papias [Ecclesiastical History, 3.39] that he, too, quotes Peter's F...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →We love him, because he first loved us.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We love him, because he first loved us.</strong> This brief verse encapsulates the gospel's order and logic. Some manuscripts read "We love" without "him," suggesting either that we love God or that we love generally (including God and others). Either reading preserves the essential truth: our capacity to love derives entirely from God's prior love for us. The pronoun "he" (<em>autos</em>)...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. foreknowledge--**foreordaining love (1Pe 1:20), inseparable from God's foreknowledge, the origin from which, and pattern according to which, election takes place. Ac 2:23, and Ro 11:2, prove "foreknowledge" to be foreordination. God's foreknowledge is not the perception of any ground of action out of Himself; still in it liberty is comprehended, and all absolute constraint debarred [Anselm in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?</strong> John exposes the impossibility of claiming to love God while hating fellow believers. "If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother" (<em>ean tis eipē hoti agapō ton theon kai ton adelphon autou misē</em>)—the present ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
3. He begins, like Paul, in opening his Epistles with giving thanks to God for the greatness of the salvation; herein he looks forward (1) into the future (1Pe 1:3-9); (2) backward into the past (1Pe 1:10-12) [Alford].
**Blessed--**A distinct Greek word (eulogetos, "Blessed BE") is used of God, from that used of man (eulogemenos, "Blessed IS").
**Father--**This whole Epistle accords with the L...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
Read full commentary →And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.</strong> John concludes the chapter by affirming that loving God and loving brothers are inseparably commanded together. "And this commandment have we from him" (<em>kai tautēn tēn entolēn echomen ap' autou</em>)—this command comes from God Himself (likely referring to Christ's teaching recorded in the gos...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. To an inheritance--**the object of our "hope" (1Pe 1:3), which is therefore not a dead, but a "living" hope. The inheritance is the believer's already by title, being actually assigned to him; the entrance on its possession is future, and hoped for as a certainty. Being "begotten again" as a "son," he is an "heir," as earthly fathers beget children who shall inherit their goods. The inheritan...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
Here are cautions against corrupt affections, and love of this world, which is enmity to God.(1-10)
Exhortations to undertake no affairs of life, without constant regard to the will and providence of God.(11-17)
**Verses 1-10**
Since all wars and fightings come from the corruptions of our own hearts, it is right to mortify those lusts that war in the mem...
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