He that feareth. The A. V. omits and (8), which is im- portant as closely connecting this clause with there is no fear in love, etc. That is an abstract statement ; this is personal ; two modes of stating the same truth. Rev. “and he that feareth.”
Is not made perfect. ‘ Men’s condition is varied ; without fear and love; with fear without Jove; with fear and love; - without fear with love ” (Bengel).
19. We love Him (iets dyarrdpev adtov). The best texts omit Him. Some render Jet ws love, as ver. 7. The statement is general, relating to the entire operation of the principle of love. All human love is preceded and generated by the love of God.
20. He that loveth not his brother, etc. Note the strik- ing inversion of the clauses: He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, God whom he hath not seen cannot love.
How. The best texts omit, and give the direct statement cannot love. So Rev.
21. That (fa). Not defining the contents of the command- ment, but expressing its ¢ntent. Compare John xiii. 34, and see on John xv. 13.
His brother. ‘To the persecutor Saul, Christ said, ‘ Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? I have ascended into heaven, yet still I lie upon earth. Here I sit at the right hand of the Father; there I still hunger, thirst, and am a stranger’ ” (Augustine).
CHAPTER YV. 1. Whosoever believeth (ads 0 mucrevwr). Lit., every one that believeth. For the characteristic form of expression see on iii. 3.
The Christ. See on Matt. i. 1, and 1 John i. 7.