{"collection":"Bible & Christianity","html_url":"https://unchartedknowledge.5gfusion.net/browse/bib/cmt/vws/jo1001.htm","path":"bib/cmt/vws/jo1001.htm","source_url":"https://sacred-texts.com/bib/cmt/vws/jo1001.htm","text":"Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent, [1886]\nCompare Joh 1:1, Joh 1:9, Joh 1:14. The construction of the first three verses is somewhat involved. It will be simplified by throwing it into three parts, represented respectively by Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:2, Jo1 1:3. The first part, That which was from the beginning - Word of Life, forms a suspended clause, the verb being omitted for the time, and the course of the sentence being broken by Jo1 1:2, which forms a parenthesis: and the Life - manifested unto us. Jo1 1:3, in order to resume the broken sentence of Jo1 1:1, repeats in a condensed form two of the clauses in that verse, that which we have seen and heard, and furnishes the governing verb, we declare. Thus the simple sentence, divested of parenthesis and resumptive words would be, We declare unto you that which was from the beginning, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we beheld, and our hands handled concerning the Word of Life.\nThat which (\u1f43)\nIt is disputed whether John uses this in a personal sense as equivalent to He whom, or in its strictly neuter sense as meaning something relating to the person and revelation of Christ. On the whole, the (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03af), concerning (A. V., of), seems to be against the personal sense. The successive clauses, that which was from the beginning, etc., express, not the Eternal Word Himself, but something relating to or predicated concerning (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03af) Him. The indefinite that which, is approximately defined by these clauses; that about the Word of Life which was from the beginning, that which appealed to sight, to hearing is, to touch. Strictly, it is true, the \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03af is appropriate only with we have heard, but it is used with the other clauses in a wide and loose sense (compare Joh 16:8). \"The subject is not merely a message, but all that had been made clear through manifold experience concerning it\" (Westcott).\nWas (\u1f26\u03bd)\nNot \u1f10\u03b3\u03ad\u03bd\u03b5\u03c4\u03bf came into being. See on Joh 1:3; see on Joh 8:34; see on Joh 8:58. It was already existing when the succession of life began.\nFrom the beginning (\u1f00\u03c0' \u1f00\u03c1\u03c7\u1fc6\u03c2)\nThe phrase occurs twice in the Gospel (Joh 8:44; Joh 15:27); nine times in the First Epistle, and twice in the Second. It is used both absolutely (Joh 3:8; Joh 2:13, Joh 2:14), and relatively (Joh 15:27; Jo1 2:24). It is here contrasted with \"in the beginning\" (Joh 1:1). The difference is that by the words \"in the beginning,\" the writer places himself at the initial point of creation, and, looking back into eternity, describes that which was already in existence when creation began. \"The Word was in the beginning.\" In the words \"from the beginning,\" the writer looks back to the initial point of time, and describes what has been in existence from that point onward. Thus, \"in the beginning\" characterizes the absolute divine Word as He was before the foundation of the world and at the foundation of the world. \"From the beginning\" characterizes His development in time. Note the absence of the article both here and in Joh 1:1. Not the beginning as a definite, concrete fact, but as apprehended by man; that to which we look as \"beginning.\"\nHave heard - have seen (\u1f00\u03ba\u03b7\u03ba\u03cc\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd - \u1f11\u03c9\u03c1\u03ac\u03ba\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nBoth in the perfect tense, denoting the still abiding effects of the hearing and seeing.\nWith our eyes\nEmphasizing the direct, personal experience in a marvelous matter.\nHave looked upon (\u1f10\u03b8\u03b5\u03b1\u03c3\u03ac\u03bc\u03b5\u03b8\u03b1)\nRev., correctly, beheld. The tense is the aorist; marking not the abiding effect of the vision upon the beholder, but the historical manifestation to special witnesses. On the difference between this verb and \u1f11\u03c9\u03c1\u03ac\u03ba\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd we have seen, see on Joh 1:14, Joh 1:18.\nHave handled (\u1f10\u03c8\u03b7\u03bb\u03ac\u03b7\u03c3\u03b1\u03bd)\nThe aorist tense. Rev. handled. For the peculiar force of the verb see on Luk 24:39. The reference is, probably, to handle me (Luk 24:39), and to Joh 20:27. This is the more noticeable from the fact that John does not mention the fact of the Resurrection in the Epistles, and does not use the word in his own narrative of the Resurrection. The phrase therefore falls in with the numerous instances in which John assumes the knowledge of certain historic facts on the part of his readers.\nOf the Word (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u1f76 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03bf\u1fe6)\nBetter, as Rev., concerning the Word.\nOf life (\u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03b6\u03c9\u1fc6\u03c2)\nLit., the life. See on Joh 1:4. The phrase \u1f41 \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2 \u03c4\u1fc6\u03c2 \u03b6\u03c9\u1fc6\u03c2, the Word of the Life, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The nearest approach to it is Phi 2:16; but there neither word has the article. In the phrase words of eternal life (Joh 6:68), and in Act 5:20, all the words of this life, \u1fe5\u03ae\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1 is used. The question is whether \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2 is used here of the Personal Word, as Joh 1:1, or of the divine message or revelation. In the four passages of the Gospel where \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2 is used in a personal sense (Joh 1:1, Joh 1:14), it is used absolutely, the Word (compare Rev 19:13). On the other hand, it is often used relatively in the New Testament; as word of the kingdom (Mat 8:19); word of this salvation (Act 8:26); word of His grace (Act 20:32); word of truth (Jam 1:18). By John \u03b6\u03c9\u1fc6\u03c2 of life, is often used in order to characterize the word which accompanies it. Thus, crown of life (Rev 2:10); water of life (Rev 21:6); book of life (Rev 3:5); bread of life (Joh 6:35); i.e., the water which is living and communicates life; the book; which contains the revelation of life; the bread which imparts life. In the same sense, Joh 6:68; Act 5:20. Compare Tit 1:2, Tit 1:3.\nThough the phrase, the Word of the Life, does not elsewhere occur in a personal sense, I incline to regard its primary reference as personal, from the obvious connection of the thought with Joh 1:1, Joh 1:4. \"In the beginning was the Word, - in Him was life.\" \"As John does not purpose to say that he announces Christ as an abstract single idea, but that he declares his own concrete historical experiences concerning Christ, - so now he continues, not the Logos (Word), but concerning the Word, we make annunciation to you\" (Ebrard). At the same time, I agree with Canon Westcott that it is most probable that the two interpretations are not to be sharply separated. \"The revelation proclaims that which it includes; it has, announces, gives life. In Christ life as the subject, and life as the character of the revelation, were absolutely united.\"\nThis verse is parenthetical. Compare, for similar interruptions of the construction, Jo1 1:3, Joh 1:14, Joh 3:16, Joh 3:31; Joh 19:35.\nAnd (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76)\nSee on Joh 1:10; see on Joh 8:20.\nThe Life (\u1f21 \u03b6\u03c9\u1f74)\nThe Word Himself who is the Life. Compare Joh 14:6; Joh 5:26; Jo1 5:11, Jo1 5:12. Life expresses the nature of the Word (Joh 1:4). The phrase, the Life, besides being equivalent to the Word, also indicates, like the Truth and the Light, an aspect of His being.\nWas manifested (\u1f10\u03c6\u03b1\u03bd\u03b5\u03c1\u03ce\u03b8\u03b7)\nSee on Joh 21:1. Corresponding with the Word was made flesh (Joh 1:14). The two phrases, however, present different aspects of the same truth. The Word became flesh, contemplates simply the historic fact of incarnation. The life was manifested, sets forth the unfolding of that fact in the various operations of life. The one denotes the objective process of the incarnation as such, the other the result of that process as related to human capacity of receiving and understanding it. \"The reality of the incarnation would be undeclared if it were said, 'The Life became flesh.' The manifestation of the Life was a consequence of the incarnation of the Word, but it is not coextensive with it\" (Westcott).\nHave seen - bear witness - shew\nThree ideas in the apostolic message: experience, testimony, announcement.\nBear witness\nSee on Joh 1:7.\nShew (\u1f00\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nBetter, as Rev., declare. See on Joh 16:25. So here. The message comes from (\u1f00\u03c0\u1f78) God.\nThat eternal life (\u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03b6\u03c9\u1f74\u03bd \u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u03b1\u1f30\u03ce\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03bd)\nA particularly faulty translation, since it utterly fails to express the development of the idea of life, which is distinctly contemplated by the original. Render, as Rev., the life, the eternal life; or the life, even the eternal life. For a similar repetition of the article compare Jo1 2:8; Jo1 4:9; Jo2 1:11. This particular phrase occurs only here and Joh 2:25. John uses \u03b6\u03c9\u1f74 \u03b1\u1f30\u03ce\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 eternal life, and \u1f21 \u03b1\u1f30\u03ce\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b6\u03c9\u03b7 the eternal life, the former expressing the general conception of life eternal, and the latter eternal life as the special gift of Christ. \u0391\u1f30\u03ce\u03bd\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 eternal, describes the life in its quality of not being measured by time, a larger idea than that of mere duration.\nWhich (\u1f25\u03c4\u03b9\u03c2)\nNot the simple relative \u1f25 which, but defining the quality of the life, and having at the same time a kind of confirmatory and explanatory force of the word eternal: seeing that it was a life divine in its nature - \"with the Father\" - and therefore independent of temporal conditions.\nWith the Father (\u03c0\u03c1\u1f78\u03c2 \u03c4\u1f78\u03bd \u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03b1)\nSee on with God (Joh 1:1). In living, active relation and communion with the Father. \"The preposition of motion with the verb of repose involves eternity of relation with activity and life\" (Coleridge). The life eternally tended to the Father, even as it emanated from Him. It came forth from Him and was manifested to men, but to the end that it might take men into itself and unite them with the Father. The manifestation of life to men was a revelation of life, as, first of all and beyond all, centering in God. Hence, though life, abstractly, returns to God, as it proceeds from God, it returns bearing the redeemed world in its bosom. The complete divine ideal of life includes impartation, but impartation with a view to the practical development of all that receives it with reference to God as its vivifying, impelling, regulating, and inspiring center.\nThe Father\nSee on Joh 12:26. The title \"the Father\" occurs rarely in the Synoptists, and always with reference to the Son. In Paul only thrice (Rom 6:4; Co1 8:6; Eph 2:18). Nowhere in Peter, James, Jude, or Revelation. Frequent in John's Gospel and Epistles, and in the latter, uniformly.\nThe regular course of the sentence, broken by Jo1 1:2, is now resumed, by the repetition of that which we have seen and heard. Only the order is reversed: seen and heard instead of heard and seen (Jo1 1:1), and the two elements of experience, sight and hearing, are thrown together without the repeated relative that which. In Jo1 1:1, the climax advanced from the lower evidence of hearing to that of sight. Here, in recapitulating, the process is reversed, and the higher class of evidence is put first.\nUnto you also (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u1f51\u03bc\u1fd6\u03bd)\nThe also is variously explained. According to some, referring to a special circle of Christian readers beyond those addressed at the conclusion of the Gospel. Others, again, as referring to those who had not seen and heard as contrasted with eye-witnesses. Thus Augustine on Joh 20:26 sqq. \"He (Thomas) touched the man, and confessed the God. And the Lord, consoling us who, now that He is seated in heaven, cannot handle Him with the hand, but touch Him by faith, says, 'Because thou hast seen thou hast believed; blessed are they who have not seen and believe.' It is we that are described; we that are pointed out. May there therefore come to pass in us that blessedness which the Lord predicted should be: the Life itself has been manifested in the flesh, so that the thing which can be seen with the heart alone might be seen with the eyes also, that it might heal our hearts.\"\nFellowship (\u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03af\u03b1\u03bd)\nThis word introduces us to one of the main thoughts of the Epistle. The true life in man, which comes through the acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God, consists in fellowship with God and with man. On the word, see on Act 2:42; see on Luk 5:10. The verb \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03ad\u03c9 to come into fellowship, to be made a partner, to be partaker of, occurs Pe1 4:13; Jo2 1:11; Heb 2:14, etc. The expression here, (\u1f14\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03af\u03b1\u03bd) is stronger, since it expresses the enjoyment or realization of fellowship, as compared with the mere fact of fellowship. See on Joh 16:22.\nOur fellowship (\u1f21 \u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03af\u03b1 \u1f21 \u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u03ad\u03c1\u03b1)\nMore strictly, the fellowship, that which is ours, according to John's characteristic practice of defining and emphasizing a noun by an article and possessive pronoun. See on Joh 10:27. Ours (possessive instead of personal pronoun) indicating fellowship as a distinguishing mark of Christians rather than as merely something enjoyed by them.\nWith the Father and with His Son (\u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u03c1\u1f78\u03c2 \u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u1f70 \u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03c5\u1f31\u03bf\u1fe6 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6)\nNote the repeated preposition \u03bc\u03b5\u03c4\u03ac with; distinguishing the two persons, and coordinating the fellowship with the Father, and the fellowship with the Son, thus implying the sameness of essence. The fellowship with both contemplates both as united in the Godhead. Plato says of one who lives in unrestrained desire and robbery, \"Such an one is the friend neither of God nor man, for he is incapable of communion (\u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u1f00\u03b4\u03cd\u03bd\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2), and he who is incapable of communion (\u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03af\u03b1) us also incapable of friendship\" (\"Gorgias,\" 507). So in the \"Symposium\" (188), and he defines divination as \"the art of communion (\u03ba\u03bf\u03b9\u03bd\u03c9\u03bd\u03af\u03b1) between gods and men.\"\nThese things\nThe whole Epistle.\nWrite we unto you (\u03b3\u03c1\u03ac\u03c6\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u1f51\u03bc\u1fd6\u03bd)\nThe best texts read \u1f21\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c2 we, instead of \u1f51\u03bc\u1fd6\u03bd to you. Both the verb and the pronoun are emphatic. The writer speaks with conscious authority, and his message is to be not only announced (\u1f00\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd, Jo1 1:3), but written. We write is emphasized by the absence of the personal object, to you.\nYour joy (\u1f21 \u03c7\u03b1\u03c1\u1f70 \u1f51\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd)\nThe best texts read \u1f21\u03bc\u1ff6\u03bd, our, though either reading gives a good sense.\nFull (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c0\u03bb\u03b7\u03c1\u03c9\u03bc\u03ad\u03bd\u03b7)\nMore correctly, fulfilled. Frequent in John. See Joh 3:29; Joh 7:8; Joh 8:38; Joh 15:11; Jo2 1:12; Rev 6:11. \"The peace of reconciliation, the blessed consciousness of sonship, the happy growth in holiness, the bright prospect of future completion and glory, - all these are but simple details of that which, in all its length and breadth is embraced by one word, Eternal Life, the real possession of which is the immediate source of our joy. We have joy, Christ's joy, because we are blessed, because we have life itself in Christ\" (Dsterdieck, cit. by Alford). And Augustine: \"For there is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for thine own sake, whose joy Thou thyself art. And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee; this is it and there is no other\" (\"Confessions,\" x., 22). Alford is right in remarking that this verse gives an epistolary character to what follows, but it can hardly be said with him that it \"fills the place of the \u03c7\u03b1\u03af\u03c1\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd greeting, lit., rejoice, so common in the opening of Epistles.\"\nThis then is (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03b1\u1f55\u03c4\u03b7 \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u1f76\u03bd)\nRev., correctly and literally, and this. According to the proper reading the verb stands first in order (\u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u1f76\u03bd \u03b1\u1f55\u03c4\u03b7), with emphasis, not merely as a copula, but in the sense \"there exists this as the message.\" For a similar use of the substantive verb, see Jo1 5:16,Jo1 5:17; Jo1 2:15; Joh 8:50.\nMessage (\u1f10\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b1)\nThis word, however, is invariably used in the New Testament in the sense of promise. The best texts read \u1f00\u03b3\u03b3\u03b5\u03bb\u03af\u03b1, message, which occurs only at Jo1 3:11; and the corresponding verb, \u1f00\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03c9, only at Joh 10:18.\nWe have heard of Him (\u1f00\u03ba\u03b7\u03ba\u03cc\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u1f00\u03c0' \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6)\nA form of expression not found elsewhere in John, who commonly uses \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1' \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6. See on Joh 6:46. The phrase here points to the ultimate and not necessarily the immediate source of the message. Not only John, but others in earlier times had heard this message. Compare Pe1 1:10, Pe1 1:11. \u1f09\u03c0\u03cc points to the source \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac to the giver. Thus, Joh 5:41, \" I receive not honor from (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac) men.\" They are not the bestowers of honor upon me.\" Joh 5:44, \"How can ye believe which receive honor from (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac) one another;\" the honor which men have to give, \"and seek not the honor that cometh from (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac) God;\" the honor which God alone bestows. On the other hand, Jo1 3:22, \"Whatsoever we ask we receive from (\u1f00\u03c0\u03cc) Him,\" the ultimate source of our gifts. So Mat 17:25 : \"Of (\u1f00\u03c0\u03cc) whom do the kings of the earth take custom - of (\u1f00\u03c0\u03cc) their own children or of (\u1f00\u03c0\u03cc) strangers?\" What is the legitimate and ultimate source of revenue in states?\nDeclare (\u1f00\u03bd\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nCompare the simple verb \u1f00\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd to bring tidings, Joh 20:18, and only there. \u1f08\u03bd\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd is to bring the tidings up to (\u1f00\u03bd\u03ac) or back to him who receives them. \u1f08\u03c0\u03b1\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd is to announce tidings as coming from (\u1f00\u03c0\u03cc) some one, see Mat 2:8; Joh 4:51. \u039a\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03b3\u03b3\u03ad\u03bb\u03bb\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd is to proclaim with authority, so as to spread the tidings down among (\u03ba\u03b1\u03c4\u03ac) those who hear. See Act 17:23. Found only in the Acts and in Paul.\nGod is Light (\u0398\u03b5\u1f78\u03c2 \u03c6\u1ff6\u03c2 \u1f10\u03c3\u03c4\u1f76\u03bd)\nA statement of the absolute nature of God. Not a light, nor the light, with reference to created beings, as the light of men, the light of the world, but simply and absolutely God is light, in His very nature. Compare God is spirit, and see on Joh 4:24 : God is love, Jo1 4:8, Jo1 4:16. The expression is not a metaphor. \"All that we are accustomed to term light in the domain of the creature, whether with a physical or metaphysical meaning, is only an effluence of that one and only primitive Light which appears in the nature of God\" (Ebrard). Light is immaterial, diffusive, pure, and glorious. It is the condition of life.\nPhysically, it represents glory; intellectually, truth; morally, holiness. As immaterial it corresponds to God as spirit; as diffusive, to God as love; as the condition of life, to God as life; as pure and illuminating, to God as holiness and truth. In the Old Testament, light is often the medium of God's visible revelations to men. It was the first manifestation of God in creation. The burning lamp passed between the pieces of the parted victim in God's covenant with Abraham. God went before Israel in a pillar of fire, descended in fire upon Sinai, and appeared in the luminons cloud which rested on the mercy-seat in the most holy place. In classical Greek \u03c6\u1ff6\u03c2 light, is used metaphorically for delight, deliverance, victory, and is applied to persons as a term of admiring affection, as we say that one is the light of our life, or the delight of our eyes. So Ulysses, on seeing his son Telemachus, says, \"Thou hast come, Telemachus, sweet light (\u03b3\u03bb\u03c5\u03ba\u03b5\u03c1\u1f78\u03bd \u03c6\u03ac\u03bf\u03c2)\" (Homer, \"Odyssey,\" xvi., 23). And Electra, greeting her returning brother, Orestes, \"O dearest light (\u03c6\u03af\u03bb\u03c4\u03b1\u03c4\u03bf\u03bd \u03c6\u1ff6\u03c2)\" (Sophocles, \"Electra,\" 1223). Occasionally, as by Euripides, of the light of truth (\"Iphigenia at Tauris,\" 1046). No modern writer has developed the idea of God as light with such power and beauty as Dante. His \"Paradise\" might truthfully be called a study of light. Light is the only visible expression of God. Radiating from Him, it is diffused through the universe as the principle of life. This key-note is struck at the very opening of \"the Paradise.\"\n\"The glory of Him who moveth everything\nDoth penetrate the universe, and shine\nIn one part more and in another less.\nWithin that heaven which most His light receives\nWas I.\"\n\"Paradiso,\" i., 1-5.\nIn the final, beatific vision, God Himself is imagined as a luminous point which pours its rays through all the spheres, upon which the spirits gazed, and in which they read the past, the present, and the future.\n\"O grace abundant, by which I presumed\nTo fix my sight upon the Light Eternal,\nSo that the seeing I consumed therein!\nI saw that in its depth far down is lying\nBound up with love together in one volume,\nWhat through the universe in leaves is scattered;\nSubstance, and accident, and their operations,\nAll interfused together in such wise\nThat what I speak of is one simple light.\"\n\"Paradiso,\" xxxiii., 82-90.\n\"In presence of that light one such becomes,\nThat to withdraw therefrom for other prospect\nIt is impossible he e'er consent;\nBecause the good, which object of will,\nIs gathered all in this, and out of it\nThat is defective which is perfect there.\"\n\"Paradiso,\" xxxiii., 100-105.\n\"O Light eterne, sole in thyself that dwellest,\nSole knowest thyself, and, know unto thyself\nAnd knowing, lovest and smilest on thyself!\n\"Paradiso xxxiii., 124-126.\nLight enkindles love.\n\"If in the heat of love I flame upon thee\nBeyond the measure that on earth is seen,\nSo that the valor of thine eyes I vanquish,\nMarvel thou not thereat; for this proceeds\nFrom perfect sight, which, as it apprehends,\nTo the good apprehended moves its feet.\nWell I perceive how is already shining\nInto thine intellect the eternal Light,\nThat only seen enkindles always love.\"\n\"Paradiso,\" v., 1-9\nSee also \" Paradiso,\" cantos xxx., xxxi.\nIn Him is no darkness at all (\u03ba\u03b1\u1f76 \u03c3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c4\u03af\u03b1 \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03c3\u03c4\u03b9\u03bd \u1f10\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1ff7 \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u03b5\u03bc\u03af\u03b1)\nIt is characteristic of John to express the same idea positively and negatively. See Joh 1:7, Joh 1:8, Joh 1:20; Joh 3:15, Joh 3:17, Joh 3:20; Joh 4:42; Joh 5:24; Joh 8:35; Joh 10:28; Jo1 1:6, Jo1 1:8; Jo1 2:4, Jo1 2:27; Jo1 5:12. According to the Greek order, the rendering is: \"And darkness there is not in Him, no, not in any way.\" For a similar addition of \u03bf\u1f50\u03b4\u03b5\u03af\u03c2 not one, to a complete sentence, see Joh 6:63; Joh 11:19; Joh 19:11. On \u03c3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c4\u03af\u03b1 darkness, see on Joh 1:5.\nIf we say (\u1f10\u1f70\u03bd \u03b5\u1f34\u03c0\u03c9\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nThe subjunctive mood puts the case as supposed, not as assumed.\nWalk in the darkness\nThe phrase occurs only in John's Gospel and First Epistle. Darkness here is \u03c3\u03ba\u03cc\u03c4\u03bf\u03c2, instead of \u03c3\u03ba\u03bf\u03c4\u03af\u03b1 (Jo1 1:5). See on Joh 1:5. Walk (\u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd), is, literally, walk about; indicating the habitual course of the life, outward and inward. The verb, with this moral sense, is common in John and Paul, and is found elsewhere only in Mar 7:5; Act 21:21.\nWe lie and do not the truth\nAgain the combination of the positive and negative statements. See on Jo1 1:5. The phrase to do the truth occurs only in John's Gospel and First Epistle. See on Joh 3:21. All walking in darkness is a not doing of the truth. \"Right action is true thought realized. Every fragment of right done is so much truth made visible\" (Westcott).\nWe walk in the light (\u1f10\u03bd \u03c4\u1ff7 \u03c6\u03c9\u03c4\u1f76 \u03c0\u03b5\u03c1\u03b9\u03c0\u03b1\u03c4\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nThe phrase occurs only in the First Epistle. Walk, as above. In the light, having our life in God, who is light.\nHe is in the light\nGod is forever and unchangeable in perfect light. Compare Psa 104:2; Ti1 6:16. We walk, advancing in the light and by means of the light to more light. \"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day\" (Pro 4:18).\nOne with another (\u03bc\u03b5\u03c4' \u1f00\u03bb\u03bb\u03ae\u03bb\u03c9\u03bd)\nNot, we with God and God with us, but with our brethren. Fellowship with God exhibits and proves itself by fellowship with Christians. See Jo1 4:7, Jo1 4:12; Jo1 3:11, Jo1 3:23.\nOf Jesus Christ His Son\nOmit Christ. The human name, Jesus, shows that His blood is available for man. The divine name, His Son, shows that it is efficacious. I shall be rendering a service to students of John's Epistles by giving, in a condensed form, Canon Westcott's note, classifying the several names of our Lord and their uses in the Epistles.\nThe name in John, as in the Bible elsewhere, has two distinct, but closely connected meanings.\n1. The Revelation of the Divine Being by a special title.\n2. The whole sum of the manifold revelations gathered up so as to form one supreme revelation.\nThe latter sense is illustrated in Jo3 1:7, where \"the name\" absolutely includes the essential elements of the Christian creed, the complete revelation of Christ's work in relation to God and man. Compare Joh 20:31; Act 5:41.\nIn Jo1 2:12, the term is more limited, referring to Christ as He lived on earth and gave Himself for \"the brethren.\" In Jo1 3:23; Jo1 5:13, the exact sense is defined by what follows.\nActual Names Used.\n(I.) His Son Jesus Christ. Jo1 1:3; Jo1 3:23; Jo1 5:20. The divine antecedent is differently described in each case, and the difference colors the phrase. In Jo1 1:2-3, the Father (compare John 3). In Jo1 3:23, God. In Jo1 5:20, He that is true. Thus the sonship of Christ is regarded in relation to God as Father, as God, and as satisfying the divine ideal which man is able to form. The whole phrase, His Son Jesus Christ, includes the two elements of the confessions which John makes prominent.\n1. Jesus is the Son of God (Joh 4:15; Joh 5:5).\n2. Jesus is the Christ (Joh 2:22; Joh 5:1).\nThe constituents of the compressed phrase are all used separately by John.\n(1.) Jesus. Jo1 2:22; Jo1 5:1; Jo1 4:3 (where the correct reading omits Christ). The thought is that of the Lord in His perfect historic humanity.\n(2.) Christ. Jo2 1:9. Pointing to the preparation made under the old covenant.\n(3). Jesus Christ. Jo1 2:1; Jo1 5:6; Jo2 1:7. Combining the ideas of true humanity and messianic position.\nIn Jo1 4:15, the reading is doubtful: Jesus or Jesus Christ.\nOn Jo1 4:2, see note.\n(4.) The Son. Jo1 2:22, Jo1 2:23, Jo1 2:24; Jo1 4:14; Jo1 5:12. The absolute relation of Sonship to Fatherhood.\n(5.) The Son of God. Jo1 3:8; Jo1 5:10, Jo1 5:12, Jo1 5:13, Jo1 5:20. Compare His Son (Jo1 4:10; Jo1 5:9), where the immediate antecedent is \u1f41 \u0398\u03b5\u03cc\u03c2 God; and Jo1 5:18, He that was begotten of God. Combination of the ideas of Christ's divine dignity and divine sonship.\n(6.) Jesus His (God's) Son. Jo1 1:7. Two truths. The blood of Christ is available and efficacious.\n(7). His (God's) Son, His only Son. Jo1 4:9. The uniqueness of the gift is the manifestation of love.\nThe Son in various forms is eminently characteristic of the First and Second Epistles, in which it occurs more times than in all Paul's Epistles.\n\u039a\u03cd\u03c1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 Lord, is not found in the Epistles (omit from Jo2 1:3), but occurs in the Gospel, and often in Revelation.\nThe expression, the blood of Jesus His Son, is chosen with a profound insight. Though Ignatius uses the phrase blood of God yet the word blood is inappropriate to the Son conceived in His divine nature. The word Jesus brings out His human nature, in which He assumed a real body of flesh and blood, which blood was shed for us.\nCleanseth (\u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03af\u03b6\u03b5\u03b9)\nSee on Mar 7:19. Not only forgives but removes. Compare Tit 2:14; Heb 9:13 sq.; Heb 9:22 sq.; Eph 5:26 sq.; Mat 5:8; Jo1 3:3. Compare also Jo1 1:9, where, forgive (\u1f00\u03c6\u1fc7) and cleanse (\u03ba\u03b1\u03b8\u03b1\u03c1\u03af\u03c3\u1fc3) occur, with an obvious difference of meaning. Note the present tense cleanseth. The cleansing is present and continuous. Alexander (Bishop of Derry) cites a striking passage from Victor Hugo (\"Le Parricide\"). The usurper Canute, who has had a share in his father's death, expiring after a virtuous and glorious reign, walks towards the light of heaven. But first he cuts with his sword a shroud of snow from the top of Mt. Savo. As he advances towards heaven, a cloud forms, and drop by drop his shroud is soaked with a rain of blood.\nAll sin (\u03c0\u03ac\u03c3\u03b7\u03c2 \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03c2)\nThe principle of sin in all its forms and manifestations; not the separate manifestations. Compare all joy (Jam 1:2); all patience (Co2 7:12); all wisdom (Eph 1:8); all diligence (Pe2 1:5).\nThat we have no sin\n\u1f4d\u03c4\u03b9 that, may be taken merely as a mark of quotation: \"If we say, sin we have not.\" On the phrase to have sin, see on Joh 16:22, and compare have fellowship, Jo1 1:3. Sin (\u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd) is not to be understood of original sin, or of sin before conversion, but generally. \"It is obvious that this \u1f14\u03c7\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd (to have sin), is infinitely diversified, according to the successive measure of the purification and development of the new man. Even the apostle John does not exclude himself from the universal if we say\" (Ebrard).\nHeathen authors say very little about sin, and classic paganism had little or no conception of sin in the Gospel sense. The nearest approach to it was by Plato, from whose works a tolerably complete doctrinal statement might be gathered of the origin, nature, and effects of sin. The fundamental idea of \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1 (sin) among the Greeks is physical; the missing of a mark (see on Mat 1:21; see on Mat 6:14); from which it develops into a metaphysical meaning, to wander in the understanding. This assumes knowledge as the basis of goodness; and sin, therefore, is, primarily, ignorance. In the Platonic conception of sin, intellectual error is the prominent element. Thus: \"What then, I said, is the result of all this? Is not this the result - that other things are indifferent, and that wisdom is the only good, and ignorance the only evil?\" (\"Euthydemus,\" 281). \"The business of the founders of the state will be to compel the best minds to attain that knowledge which has been already declared by us to be the greatest of all - they must continue to rise until they arrive at the good\" (\"Republic,\" vii., 519). Plato represents sin as the dominance of the lower impulses of the soul, which is opposed to nature and to God (see \"Laws,\" ix., 863. \"Republic,\" i., 351). Or again, as an inward want of harmony. \"May we not regard every living being as a puppet of the gods, either their plaything only or created with a purpose - which of the two we cannot certainly know? But this we know, that these affections in us are like cords and strings which pull us different and opposite ways, and to opposite actions; and herein lies the difference between virtue and vice\" (\"Laws,\" i., 644). He traces most sins to the influence of the body on the soul. \"In this present life, I reckon that we make the nearest approach to knowledge when we have the least possible communion or fellowship with the body, and are not infected with the bodily nature, but remain pure until the hour when God himself is pleased to release us. And then the foolishness of the body will be cleared away, and we shall be pure, and hold converse with other pure souls, and know of ourselves the clear light everywhere, which is no other than the light of truth\" (\"Phedo,\" 67).\nWe find in the classical writers, however, the occasional sense of the universal faultiness of mankind, though even Plato furnishes scarcely any traces of accepting the doctrine of innate depravity. Thus Theognis: \"The sun beholds no wholly good and virtuous man among those who are now living\" (615). \"But having become good, to remain in a good state and be good, is not possible, and is not granted to man. God only has this blessing; but man cannot help being bad when the force of circumstances overpowers him\" (Plato, \"Protagoras,\" 344). \" How, then: is it possible to be sinless? It is impossible; but this is possible, to strive not to sin\" (\"Epictetus,\" iv., 12, 19).\nWe deceive ourselves (\u1f11\u03b1\u03c5\u03c4\u03bf\u1f7a\u03c2 \u03c0\u03bb\u03b1\u03bd\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nLit., we lead ourselves astray. See on Mar 7:24; see on Mat 27:63, Mat 27:64; see on Jde 1:13. Not only do we err, we are responsible for it. The phrase only here in the New Testament. For the verb as applied to deceivers of various kinds, see Mat 24:4; Rev 2:20; Rev 13:14; Rev 19:20; Rev 12:9; Rev 20:3. Compare \u03c0\u03bb\u03ac\u03bd\u03bf\u03b9 deceivers (Jo2 1:7); \u03c0\u03bb\u03ac\u03bd\u03b7 error (Jde 1:11; Jo1 4:6).\nThe truth\nThe whole Gospel. All reality is in God. He is the only true God (\u1f00\u03bb\u03b7\u03b8\u03b9\u03bd\u03cc\u03c2 Joh 17:3; see on Joh 1:9). This reality is incarnated in Christ, the Word of God, \"the very image of His substance,\" and in His message to men. This message is the truth, a title not found in the Synoptists, Acts, or Revelation, but in the Catholic Epistles (Jam 5:19; Pe1 1:22; Pe2 2:2), and in Paul (Co2 8:8; Eph 1:13, etc.). It is especially characteristic of the Gospel and Epistles of John. The truth is represented by John objectively and subjectively.\n1. Objectively. In the person of Christ. He is the Truth, the perfect revelation of God (Joh 1:18; Joh 14:6). His manhood is true to the absolute law of right, which is the law of love, and is, therefore, our perfect pattern of manhood.\nTruth, absolutely existing in and identified with God, was also, in some measure, diffused in the world. The Word was in the world, before as after the incarnation (Joh 1:10. See on Joh 1:4, Joh 1:5). Christ often treats the truth as something to which He came to bear witness, and which it was His mission to develop into clearer recognition and expression (Joh 18:37). This He did through the embodiment of truth in His own person (Joh 1:14, Joh 1:17; Joh 14:6), and by His teaching (Joh 8:40; Joh 17:17); and His work is carried out by the Spirit of Truth (Joh 16:13), sent by God and by Christ himself (Joh 14:26; Joh 16:7). Hence the Spirit, even as Christ, is the Truth (Jo1 5:6). The whole sum of the knowledge of Christ and of the Spirit, is the Truth (Jo1 2:21; Jo2 1:1). This truth can be recognized, apprehended, and appropriated by man, and can be also rejected by him (Joh 8:32; Jo1 2:21; Joh 8:44).\n2. Subjectively. The truth is lodged in man by the Spirit, and communicated to his spirit (Joh 14:17; Joh 15:26; Joh 16:13). It dwells in man (Jo1 1:8; Jo1 2:4; Jo2 1:2), as revelation, comfort, guidance, enlightenment, conviction, impulse, inspiration, knowledge. It is the spirit of truth as opposed to the spirit of error (Jo1 4:6). It translates itself into act. God's true children do the truth (Joh 3:21; Jo1 1:6). It brings sanctification and freedom (Joh 8:32; Joh 17:17). See on Joh 14:6, Joh 14:17.\nConfess (\u1f41\u03bc\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u1ff6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nFrom \u1f41\u03bc\u03cc\u03c2, one and the same, and \u03bb\u03ad\u03b3\u03c9, to say. Hence, primarily, to say the same thing as another, and, therefore, to admit the truth of an accusation. Compare Psa 51:4. The exact phrase, \u1f41\u03bc\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd \u03c4\u1f70\u03c2 \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03c2 confess the sins, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. Compare \u1f10\u03be\u03bf\u03bc\u03bf\u03bb\u03bf\u03b3\u03b5\u1fd6\u03c3\u03b8\u03b1\u03b9 \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03c2 (\u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03c0\u03c4\u03ce\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1) Mat 3:6; Mar 1:5; Jam 5:16. See on Mat 3:6; see on Mat 11:25; see on Luk 22:6; see on Act 19:18; see on Jam 5:16.\nSins\nNote the plural, as compared with the singular, sin, in the previous verse. See note. The plural indicates that the confession is to be specific as well as general. Augustine's words are exactly to the point, but his play upon pardon and confess cannot be reproduced in English. \"Vis ut ille ignoscat? Tu agnosce.\" Do you wish Him to forgive? Do you confess.\nFaithful (\u03c0\u03b9\u03c3\u03c4\u03cc\u03c2)\nTrue to His own nature and promises; keeping faith with Himself and with man. The word is applied to God as fulfilling His own promises (Heb 10:23; Heb 11:11); as fulfilling the purpose for which He has called men (Th1 5:24; Co1 1:9); as responding with guardianship to the trust reposed in Him by men (Co1 10:13; Pe1 4:19). \"He abideth faithful. He cannot deny Himself\" (Ti2 2:13). The same term is applied to Christ (Th2 3:3; Heb 3:2; Heb 2:17). God's faithfulness is here spoken of not only as essential to His own being, but as faithfulness toward us; \"fidelity to that nature of truth and light, related to His own essence, which rules in us as far as we confess our sins\" (Ebrard). The essence of the message of life is fellowship with God and with His children (Jo1 1:3). God is light (Jo1 1:5). Walking in the light we have fellowship, and the blood of Jesus is constantly applied to cleanse us from sin, which is darkness and which interrupts fellowship. If we walk in darkness we do not the truth. If we deny our sin the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, \"God, by whom we were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful\" (Co1 1:9) to forgive our sins, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and thus to restore and maintain the interrupted fellowship.\nJust (\u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2)\nRev., righteous. From \u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03b7 right. The term is applied both to God and to Christ. See Rev 16:5; Joh 17:25; Jo1 2:1; Jo1 3:7; Pe1 3:18. The two words, faithful and righteous, imply each other. They unite in a true conception of God's character. God, who is absolute rightness, must be faithful to His own nature, and His righteous dealing with men who partake of that nature and walk in fellowship with Him, is simply fidelity to Himself. \"Righteousness is truth passing into action\" (Westcott).\nTo forgive (\u1f35\u03bd\u03b1 \u1f00\u03c6\u1fc7)\nSee Joh 20:23; Jo1 2:12. Primarily the word means to send away, dismiss; hence of sins, to remit, as a debt. Cleansing (Jo1 1:7) contemplates the personal character of the sinner; remission, his acts. See on Mat 6:12; see on Jam 5:15. To forgive is, literally, that he may forgive. On John's use of \u1f35\u03bd\u03b1 in order that, see on Joh 15:13; see on Joh 14:31. Forgiveness answers to the essential purpose of His faithful and righteous being.\nOur sins (\u03c4\u1f70\u03c2 \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03c2)\nSin is defined by John as \u1f00\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03b1, lawlessness. Compare Rom 6:19. A.V., transgression of the law (Jo1 3:4). It may be regarded either as condition or as act; either with reference to the normal, divine ideal of manhood, or to an external law imposed upon man by God. Any departure from the normal ideal of man as created in God's image puts man out of true relation and harmony with his true self, and therefore with God and with his fellowman. He thus comes into false, abnormal relation with right, love, truth, and light. He walks in darkness and forfeits fellowship with God. Lawlessness is darkness, lovelessness, selfishness. This false principle takes shape in act. He doeth (\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b5\u1fd6) or committeth sin. He doeth lawlessness (\u03c4\u1f74\u03bd \u1f00\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03b5\u1fd6; Jo1 3:4, Jo1 3:8). He transgresses the words (\u1fe5\u03ae\u03bc\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1, Joh 17:8) of God, and His commandments (\u1f10\u03bd\u03c4\u03bf\u03bb\u03b1\u03af, Jo1 2:3) as included and expressed in His one word or message (\u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2, Jo1 2:7, Jo1 2:14). Similarly the verb \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03ac\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd, to sin, may signify either to be sinful (Jo1 3:6), or to commit sin (Jo1 1:10). Sin, regarded both as principle and act, is designated by John by the term \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1. The principle expressed in the specific acts is \u1f21 \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1 (Joh 1:29), which occurs in this sense in Paul, but not in the Synoptists, nor in Acts. Many of the terms used for sin by other New Testament writers are wanting in John; as \u1f00\u03c3\u03ad\u03b2\u03b5\u03b9\u03b1 ungodliness (see on Jde 1:14); \u1f00\u03c3\u03b5\u03b2\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd to be ungodly (Pe2 2:6); \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b2\u03b1\u03af\u03bd\u03b5\u03b9\u03bd to transgress; \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03b2\u03b1\u03c3\u03b9\u03c2 transgression; \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03b2\u03ac\u03c4\u03b7\u03c2 transgressor (see on Mat 6:14; see on Jam 2:11); \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u1fd6\u03bd to act contrary to the law; \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03b1\u03bd\u03bf\u03bc\u03af\u03b1 breach of law (see on Act 23:3; see on Pe2 2:16); \u03c0\u03b1\u03c1\u03ac\u03c0\u03c4\u03c9\u03bc\u03b1 trespass (see on Mat 6:14).\nTo cleanse\nSee on Jo1 1:7.\nUnrighteousness (\u1f00\u03b4\u03b9\u03ba\u03af\u03b1\u03c2)\nWith reference to \u03b4\u03af\u03ba\u03b1\u03b9\u03bf\u03c2 righteous. The righteous One who calls us into fellowship with Himself, purges away the unrighteousness which is contrary to His nature, and which renders fellowship impossible. The word occurs in John's writings only at Joh 7:18; Jo1 5:17.\nWe have not sinned (\u03bf\u1f50\u03c7 \u1f21\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03ae\u03ba\u03b1\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd)\nCommitted sins. Sin regarded as an act. The state is expressed by \u1f01\u03bc\u03b1\u03c1\u03c4\u03af\u03b1\u03bd \u03bf\u1f50\u03ba \u1f14\u03c7\u03bf\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd we have no (or not) sin (Jo1 1:8).\nWe make Him (\u03c0\u03bf\u03b9\u03bf\u1fe6\u03bc\u03b5\u03bd \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u1f78\u03bd)\nA phrase characteristic of John. See Joh 5:18; Joh 8:53; Joh 10:33; Joh 19:7, Joh 19:12.\nHis word (\u1f41 \u03bb\u03cc\u03b3\u03bf\u03c2 \u03b1\u1f50\u03c4\u03bf\u1fe6)\nNot the personal Word, as Joh 1:1, but the divine message of the Gospel. See Luk 5:1; Luk 8:11; Act 4:31; Act 6:2, Act 6:7, etc. Compare \"the truth is not in us\" (Jo1 1:8). The truth is the substance of the word. The word carries the truth. The word both moves the man (Joh 8:31, Joh 8:32) and abides in him (Joh 5:38; Joh 8:37). The man also abides in the word (Joh 8:31).","title":"Vincent's Word Studies: 1 John: 1 John Chapter 1","type":"page"}