TRV
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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 3:11–13.
The apostle, having intimated that one mark of the devil's children is hatred of the brethren, takes occasion thence,
I.To recommend fraternal Christian love, and that from the excellence, or antiquity, or primariness of the injunction relating thereto:
And this is the message (the errand or charge) which you heard from the beginning (this came among the principal parts of practical Christianity), that we should love one another, Jo1 3:11. We should love the Lord Jesus, and value his love, and consequently love all the objects of it, and thereupon all our brethren in Christ.
II.To dissuade from what is contrary thereto, all ill-will towards the brethren, and that by the example of Cain.
His envy and malignity should deter us from harbouring the like passion, and that upon these accounts: - 1. It showed that he was as the first-born of the serpent's seed; even he, the eldest son of the first man, was of the wicked one. He imitated and resembled the first wicked one, the devil. 2. His ill-will had no restraint; it proceeded so far as to contrive and accomplish murder, and that of a near relation, and that in the beginning of the world, when there were but few to replenish it. He slew his brother, Jo1 3:12. Sin, indulged, knows no bound. And, 3. It proceeded so far, and had in it so much of the devil, that he murdered his brother for religion's sake. He was vexed with the superiority of Abel's service, and envied him the favour and acceptance he had with God. And for these he martyred his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous, Jo1 3:12. Ill-will will teach us to hate and revenge what we should admire and imitate. And then,
III.To infer that it is no wonder that good men are so served now:
Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you, Jo1 3:13. The serpentine nature still continues in the world. The great serpent himself reigns as the God of this world. Wonder not then that the serpentine world hates and hisses at you who belong to that seed of the woman that is to bruise the serpent's head.
Historical interpretation
Six Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"For this is the message which we heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." He has made it manifest to us that it is of this he speaks; whoso acts against this commandment, is in that accursed sin, into which those fall who are not born of God.
Our love must always be demonstrated both in respectful speech and in generous service to others.
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that you should love one another. The Lord saying: This is my commandment, that you love one another (John XV).
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother's was righteous. Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Therefore, having explained these things, he repeats after many points made in between, love for one's neighbor, as if he had treated all that was in between for its sake, since love is also the fullness of everything (Rom. 13:10), and he says:
"He who does not love his brother is not of God." But against this, this member is also placed: He is not of God, saying this: For if he who does righteousness is born of God, it follows that he who is therefore born loves his brothers; but he who does not do righteousness, because he does not do it by hating his brothers, is not of God, not in any other way except that he is not born of him. And how he is not of him is shown by saying: "for this is the message that you heard from the beginning." (see Lev. 19:24) What this announcement is, we have already said, both naturally received and through teaching; but also by the legal command to love one's neighbor, as the Lord's command says: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." (Jn. 13:34) The natural command regarding those of the same kind and condition also urges one to do this. Therefore, since there are so many such commands in accordance with the Lord's declaration, whoever keeps and does His word has eternal life and has passed from death to life. (Jn. 5:24)
Therefore, let us love our brothers, taking nothing harmful to imitate: for example, if we are hated by the world, let us not also hate our brothers: but let the word of the Lord be more effective in us. For whoever hates his brother is not only cast out from eternal life, but is also a murderer. For it necessarily follows that if he is a murderer, he has no eternal life. Behold Cain, John says, for he too, having hated his brother, murdered him, although he was his brother. But because Cain had evil works, he was the son of the Devil: whereas Abel, by doing righteous works, was called the son of God: the Devil is opposed to God, and evil works to good ones: therefore, Cain, being contrary to his brother, murdered him. Thus, indeed, the course of the discourse was consequent, but blessed John changed the order, always serving what was more pressing. For it was pressing, because he had mentioned the Devil and those who had been adopted by him due to their wicked actions, so as to propose him as an example who, from the beginning of the world, escaped as the wicked son through evil works.
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Summary
First John 3:11 serves as a foundational declaration within John's first epistle, succinctly stating the timeless and non-negotiable command for believers to love one another. This "message from the beginning" is presented not as a novel concept, but as a core tenet of the Christian faith, distinguishing genuine discipleship and serving as a vital identifier for those truly born of God, in stark contrast to the hatred characteristic of the world and those who belong to darkness.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within 1 John 3, a chapter that sharply contrasts the "children of God" with the "children of the devil." John has just established that those born of God do not habitually practice sin (1 John 3:9-10), and he immediately follows this by declaring that love for one another is the defining characteristic of God's children. Verse 11 introduces the theme of love as the positive manifestation of righteousness, directly preceding the negative example of Cain's murderous hatred (1 John 3:12) as the antithesis of brotherly love. Thus, 1 John 3:11 acts as the thematic hinge, articulating the fundamental command that sets the stage for the subsequent exposition of love versus hatred.
Historical & Cultural Context
John wrote this epistle to a community facing internal strife and external pressures, particularly from proto-Gnostic false teachers who denied the true humanity of Christ and often exhibited a lack of moral and ethical concern, including a disregard for brotherly love. These false teachers claimed spiritual enlightenment but often lived in a way that contradicted the gospel, fostering division and animosity. In this context, John emphasizes that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is visibly demonstrated through righteous living and, pre-eminently, through sacrificial love for fellow believers. This command for mutual love was crucial for maintaining unity, strengthening the community's witness in a hostile Roman world, and combating the divisive influence of those who had departed from the truth.
Key Themes
The command to love one another is a central thread woven throughout John's writings. In this verse, it reinforces several key themes of the epistle: The Enduring Message of Love: John emphasizes that this command is not new, but "the message that ye heard from the beginning," echoing Jesus's "new commandment" given to His disciples (e.g., John 13:34). It signifies that love is foundational to the gospel itself, preached from the earliest days of the Christian movement. A Defining Mark of Discipleship: For John, love is the practical outworking of being in right relationship with God. It is the primary evidence that one is "born of God" (as seen in 1 John 4:7) and distinguishes true believers from those who walk in darkness and belong to the devil (as directly contrasted in 1 John 3:10). Truth and Righteousness: Love is inextricably linked to truth and righteousness. To love truly is to walk in the light and obey God's commands, thereby affirming one's genuine faith against the claims of those who professed faith but lacked love and lived in sin.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to an "announcement" or "precept." Here, it signifies a fundamental teaching or declaration that has been proclaimed. It's not just a suggestion but a core instruction that defines the Christian life and community, carrying the weight of divine authority.
This verb means "to hear" in various senses, implying not just the physical act of hearing, but also to "give audience to," "understand," or "perceive." In this context, it suggests that the believers have not only been exposed to this message but have also received it with understanding and are expected to internalize and act upon it.
This is the verb form of agape, a distinct type of love in the New Testament. It denotes a selfless, volitional, and often sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other, irrespective of their merit or the personal cost. It is the divine love that God demonstrates and commands His followers to emulate, going beyond mere affection or sentiment.
Verse Breakdown
"For this is the message"
John introduces a crucial point, connecting it to the preceding discussion about the distinction between God's children and the devil's children. "This" points forward to the content of the message itself, emphasizing its foundational importance as a core precept of the Christian faith.
"that ye heard from the beginning"
This phrase underscores the timeless and original nature of the command to love. It is not a new revelation but a fundamental truth proclaimed from the very outset of the gospel's spread and the establishment of the Christian community, likely referring to the initial teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
"that we should love one another"
This is the heart of the message, explicitly stating the central command. The use of "we" highlights the communal aspect, emphasizing that this love is to be practiced within the Christian family, a distinguishing mark of genuine fellowship and a reflection of God's character.
Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The primary device is Exhortation, as the verse functions as a direct command and encouragement to the believers. There is also an element of Repetition of a core theme, as the command to "love one another" is a recurring motif throughout John's Gospel and Epistles, reinforcing its paramount importance. Furthermore, the phrase "from the beginning" serves as an Allusion to the foundational teachings of Christ and the early church, lending historical and theological weight to the command. The verse's brevity and directness also contribute to its Didactic Tone, making the instruction clear and unambiguous for the audience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The command to love one another is deeply rooted in the very nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). This divine love, agape, is not merely an attribute but the essence of God's being, which He pours into the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit. Therefore, to love one another is to participate in God's own character and to reflect His image to the world. It is the practical outworking of the new covenant, where the Law is written on hearts, and believers are empowered to fulfill its greatest command. This love is also eschatological, pointing to the perfect communion of the saints in God's eternal kingdom, where love will reign supreme.
Reflection and Application
First John 3:11 calls believers to a radical and counter-cultural way of life. In a world often characterized by self-interest, division, and animosity, the command to "love one another" stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. This love is not passive or sentimental; it is active, sacrificial, and visible. It compels us to seek the welfare of our brothers and sisters in Christ, to forgive, to serve, to bear one another's burdens, and to prioritize unity over personal preference. It challenges us to examine our relationships within the church and beyond, asking whether our actions and attitudes truly reflect the divine love that has been poured into our hearts. Embracing this message fosters genuine community, strengthens our witness to a watching world, and confirms our identity as children of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "from the beginning" mean in 1 John 3:11?
"From the beginning" (Greek: ap' archēs) refers to the earliest proclamation of the Christian message. It signifies that the command to love one another was not a later addition or a secondary teaching, but a fundamental and foundational truth taught by Jesus Christ Himself from the very outset of His ministry and subsequently by the apostles. It underscores the timeless and essential nature of this command within the core of Christian doctrine, echoing Jesus's direct instruction to His disciples, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34).
Is the "love" mentioned in 1 John 3:11 just an emotion?
No, the Greek word used for "love" here is agapáō (the verb form of agape), which is far more than a mere emotion or sentimental feeling. Agape is a volitional, self-sacrificial, and active love that seeks the highest good of the beloved, even at personal cost. It is the kind of love that God Himself demonstrates towards humanity (John 3:16) and the love that Christ exemplified in His life and death (Ephesians 5:2). It is a love that chooses to act for the benefit of others, regardless of whether one "feels" like it, and it is the defining characteristic of those who are truly born of God (1 John 4:7-8).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The "message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who commands love, but the very embodiment of agape itself. His entire life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was a perfect demonstration of selfless, sacrificial love. Jesus laid down His life for His friends, and even for His enemies, offering the supreme act of love on the cross (John 15:13). He is the standard by which all love is measured, for He loved us "just as I have loved you" (John 15:12). Therefore, when believers are commanded to love one another, they are called to emulate the very character and actions of Christ. Our capacity to love is a direct result of His prior love for us, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to walk in the same love that He demonstrated, thereby fulfilling the "message" and bearing witness to the world that we are truly His disciples (John 13:35).