restriction upon it ? ch. v. 19. The propitiation is as widely extended as sin.
3. *Ev Touruj y/\ )uxr/.o/Mv) In this we know ; that is, it is thus, and thus only, that there is true knowledge in us. We know, that we know : a reflex knowledge. Spiritual marks of discernment [Gnoris- mata, characteristic marks] are often given in this Epistle : manifest , we know , ch. iii. 10, 14, 19. The Gnostics are refuted, who boasted of knowledge, but threw aside obedience. — on iyvwxa/xsi/ aur'ov , that we know Him) as He is, the Advocate, the righteous, the propitiation. So ver. 4, 13, 14 ; Isa., the passage cited above. — IvroX&g, precepts) con- cerning faith and love. — rripu/xsv, we keep) John viii. 51, note.
5. A urou rov Xoyov , His word) the word of Jesus Christ respecting the Father: ch. i. 5. The precepts are many; the word is one. — aXn&ojg, in truth) It is not a lie or vain boasting. This adverb has great force at the beginning of the clause. — jj dyd^rj roD ©soD, the love of God) towards man, reconciled to us by Christ. — rsrsXsiurai, is made perfect) Having obtained perfect rule, it is also perfectly known : ch. iv. 12. — h tovtoj, in this) There is a reference to the preceding wrords, but whoso keepeth, as ch. iv. 6, from this. — Iv avrSj lff/x sv, we are in Him) Synonyms, with progressive gradation : to knoiv Him ; to be in Him ; to abide in Him : ver. 6, knowledge ; fellowship ; constancy.
6. M svsiv, that he abideth) This word is of frequent occurrence in ch. ii. iii. and iv. It implies a condition which is lasting, without intermission and without end. — 6<psiXei, he ought) by the force of that Divine example. Thus, we ought, ch. iii. 16, iv. 11. — y.a6ug herng, even as He) He, whom we formerly saw. Thus, as He, etc., ch. iii. 3, 5, 7, 16, iv. 17. Believers readily supply the name ; since they have a breast filled with the remembrance of the Lord. — vrspis^drnas, walked) while He was in the world.
7. ’ At’ apxfig, from the beginning) the time when you first heard the Gospel of Christ : ver. 24, ch. iii. 11. — 6 Xoyog, the word) ver. 5. — ov faova are, which ye heard) John did not deem it necessary to repeat this word, as already known. He frequently says, ye have heard, for they had heard, before even the apostles wTrote.
8. ’E vroXriv xa tvr\v, a new precept) which is now first written to you in this Epistle. This passage savours of the fulness of the Spirit in the apostle. — 8 Icnv dXr\dsg, that ivhich is truth) Truth, substantively, as in ver. 27, where truth and a lie are opposed to each other. Thence also 8 is put for %, that is, the commandment (IvroXri). The sense is : the commandment, or precept, is truth ; that is, the darkness truly passes away, etc. As in ver. 7, to the word old, so in this ver.,