ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 1 John 3

1 John 3:1 the world does not know us. There is an ultimate division between those who know and serve Christ and those who do not.

1 John 3:2 what we will be. After Christ’s return, believers will have bodies that will never be sick, grow old, or die. They will be completely without sin. we shall be like him. “Like” does not mean “identical to.” Believers will never be exactly like Christ, since he is both man and God, but our perfected humanity will match his.

1 John 3:6–7 No one who abides . . . keeps on sinning. True followers of Christ do not make a practice of sinning. When they sin, they confess the sin to God. Thus they keep a strong relationship with him (see note on vv. 9–10). On “abides,” see notes on John 8:31; 15:4.

1 John 3:8 The reason the Son of God appeared restates v. 5. the works of the devil. That is, the practice of sinning.

1 John 3:9–10 born of God. See John 3:3–8. God’s seed. Some take this to be the Word of God that causes new birth (compare James 1:18, 22; 1 Pet. 1:23, 25). Others think it refers to the Holy Spirit’s transforming presence within the believer. Both of these ideas are likely intended here. This does not mean Christians are ever completely free from sin in this life (see 1 John 1:8–10). By this it is evident. See Matt. 7:16.

1 John 3:11–4:6 Overcoming Evil by Listening to the Apostle. This section describes how to avoid the “practice of sinning” and “lawlessness” (see 3:4).

1 John 3:11–24 John uses Cain (Gen. 4:1–16) as an example of what Christians must avoid and what they should pursue.

1 John 3:13 Do not be surprised. Abel did the right thing and was strongly opposed (v. 12). John knows this happens in every age (see John 16:2–3, 33).

1 John 3:15 is a murderer. John echoes Jesus’ teaching (Matt. 5:22, 28) that even a desire to disobey God’s command (Ex. 20:13) breaks that command (see Ex. 20:17).

1 John 3:16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us. Jesus’ willingness to die is an example of the selfless attitude his followers should have.

1 John 3:20 whenever our heart condemns us. Whenever one has an inward conviction of sin. The fact that God is greater than our heart assures us that he has forgiven us through the atoning death of Christ.

1 John 3:21 A clear conscience leads to boldness and confidence before God in prayer.

1 John 3:22 whatever we ask we receive. See note on 5:15. Because we keep his commandments implies a direct connection between obeying God and receiving answers to prayer.

1 John 3:23 his commandment, that we believe. Personal trust in Christ leads to the ethical behavior stressed in vv. 11–22.

1 John 3:24 the Spirit. The letter’s first clear mention of the third person of the Trinity (see also 4:2; 6; 13; 5:6; 8).