TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 3:23–24. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle, having mentioned keeping the commandments, and pleasing God, as the qualification of effectual petitioners in and with Heaven, here suitably proceeds,
I.To represent to us what those commandments primarily and summarily are; they are comprehended in this double one:
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment, Jo1 3:23. To believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ is,
1.To discern what he is, according to his name, to have an intellectual view of his person and office, as the Son of God, and the anointed Saviour of the world. That every one that seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life, Joh 6:40.
2.To approve him in judgment and conscience, in conviction and consciousness of our case, as one wisely and wonderfully prepared and adapted for the whole work of eternal salvation.
3.To consent to him, and acquiesce in him, as our Redeemer and recoverer unto God.
4.To trust to him, and rely upon him, for the full and final discharge of his saving office. Those that know thy name will put their trust in thee, Psa 9:10. I know whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day, Ti2 1:12. This faith is a needful requisite to those who would be prevalent petitioners with God, because it is by the Son that we must come to the Father; through his grace and righteousness our persons must be accepted or ingratiated with the Father (Eph 1:6), through his purchase all our desired blessings must come, and through his intercession our prayers must be heard and answered. This is the first part of the commandment that must be observed by acceptable worshippers; the second is that we love one another, as he gave us commandment, Jo1 3:23. The command of Christ should be continually before our eyes. Christian love must possess our soul when we go to God in prayer. To this end we must remember that our Lord obliges us,
(1.)To forgive those who offend us (Mat 6:14), and,
(2.)To reconcile ourselves to those whom we have offended, Mat 5:23, Mat 5:24. As good-will to men was proclaimed from heaven, so good-will to men, and particularly to the brethren, must be carried in the hearts of those who go to God and heaven.
II.To represent to us the blessedness of obedience to these commands.
The obedient enjoy communion with God: And he that keepeth his commandments, and particularly those of faith and love, dwelleth in him, and he in him, Jo1 3:24. We dwell in God by a happy relation to him, and spiritual union with him, through his Son, and by a holy converse with him; and God dwells in us by his word, and our faith fixed on him, and by the operations of his Spirit. Then there occurs the trial of his divine inhabitation: And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us (Jo1 3:24), by the sacred disposition and frame of soul that he hath conferred upon us, which being a spirit of faith in God and Christ, and of love to God and man, appears to be of God.
Historical interpretation
Seven 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.
And what are those commandments? "This," saith he, "is His commandment, That we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another." Ye see that this is the commandment: ye see that whoso doeth aught against this commandment, doeth the sin from which "every one that is born of God" is free. "As He gave us commandment:" that we love one another.
And this is his commandment, that we believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, etc. He placed the commandment in the singular number and subsequently added mandates to it, namely faith and love, because clearly these cannot be separated from each other. For neither can we rightly love one another without faith in Christ, nor can we truly believe in the name of Jesus Christ without fraternal love. And he says, let us love one another, as he gave commandment to us. That is, with pure love, not like thieves or perpetrators of any other crimes, who indeed love each other but not chastely. But he gave commandment to us when he said: This is my commandment, that you love one another, as I have loved you (John XV). For what is, As I have loved you, except: love for the purpose that I loved you, namely, that you may reach the heavenly kingdoms? And by what reward are these commands of faith and love kept? It follows:
By this we know that we are of the truth, and before Him we shall assure our hearts. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God; and whatever we ask, we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ.
"By this we know." By what? From the fact that we do not love in word, but in action and in truth. And what do we know? That we are of the truth. How? For he who says one thing and does another, not having an action conforming to his speech, is a liar and not truthful.
"and before Him we shall assure our hearts." That is to say, what John means is that by this, namely that we are truthful (furthermore, we will be truthful when our actions continue according to our words), we will assure our conscience, for he wishes to signify this by “hearts”.
And how shall we assure? By placing this among ourselves, as we express our words with God as our witness. For this means in His sight, or before Him. Indeed, if we do not do so, John says, but our conscience or heart condemns us, it does not hide that we are sinning. If our conscience, which is small as it comes from a small creature, cannot be hidden while we sin, much more can God, who is limitless and everywhere, not be hidden. Therefore, the whole discourse is this: My little children, let us not lie to one another, loving only in word, but let us also show our love through actions: for by this we will be known that we are of the truth, that is, from God; and let us speak as if God were watching. Indeed, no one, even if he were more shameless than demons, could bear to lie in the presence and sight of God.
For if we do not act so, but by saying that we love, our heart will accuse us of falsehood; we err. How? By thinking that God is hidden, who is present everywhere? And not knowing that if it cannot be that our heart, when it is small, is hidden, much less will He be hidden who is never absent.
Therefore, after we have prepared ourselves in such a way, beloved, that we are not condemned by ourselves, namely in being truthful with one another, we will have confidence towards God: through which confidence, whatever we ask, we will receive entirely from Him. Why?
because we keep His commandments: for this is of utmost importance for obtaining what is requested, namely the obedience of those who ask, when it has been without any hesitation, towards Him to whom the request is directed.
Since therefore we also keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight, let us trust that we shall not suffer rejection in our requests: since the affection that is in both parties greatly desires to repay the service that comes to the use of the other. And what commandment do we keep? That which says: Have mutual love among yourselves. (Jn. 13:35)
Therefore, since we have received the command to love one another with the faith that is in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, we have done this; through this we know that the grace He has given us through His Spirit is firmly established in us. It should be noted that it is often found in the New Testament, "Believe in the name of our Lord Jesus." (Act 16:31) But what does this name mean? Nothing other than glory, purpose, or good reputation. Indeed, glory and good reputation, as when it is said: "How wonderful is your name in all the earth (Ps. 81:1):" purpose and will, as in this place, and when it is said: "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 2:38) For that is, in His will. But what is the will of the Lord Jesus? “That all nations be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)
The first point to be made here is that we must love one another according to the faith which we have in the name of Jesus Christ, for it is by this that we know that the grace of the Holy Spirit given to us will be firmly planted in us. The second thing to notice is the use of the word name, which is quite frequent in Scripture. It includes the will, the glory and the honor of the one who bears it, and his will is that everyone everywhere should be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
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Summary
First John 3:23 encapsulates the core of Christian obedience and relationship with God, presenting a singular divine "commandment" that is profoundly dual in nature. It mandates both a deep, abiding faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, God's Son, and a sacrificial, active love for fellow believers. This verse serves as a foundational declaration of what it means to live authentically as a child of God, emphasizing that genuine belief in Christ is inextricably linked to the practical demonstration of love within the community of faith, mirroring the very character and command of Christ Himself.
Context
Literary Context
This verse appears within the broader context of 1 John, an epistle deeply concerned with distinguishing true believers from false teachers and ensuring the assurance of salvation for its audience. Following sections that emphasize the believer's identity as a child of God (1 John 3:1-3), the call to righteous living (1 John 3:4-10), and the imperative of brotherly love (1 John 3:11-18), verse 23 acts as a powerful summation. It condenses the epistle's major themes—faith in Jesus and love for one another—into a singular divine directive, providing a clear test of genuine spiritual life and a foundation for the assurance that follows in 1 John 3:24.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Apostle John likely wrote this epistle in the late first century from Ephesus, addressing Christian communities grappling with the emergence of proto-Gnostic heresies. These false teachings often denied the true humanity of Jesus Christ (docetism) and promoted a dualistic worldview that separated the spiritual from the material, leading to a devaluation of ethical conduct. In this environment, John's emphasis on the necessity of believing in Jesus as the incarnate Son of God and the practical outworking of faith through love was crucial. The "commandment" to love was not new in the Jewish tradition, but Jesus' re-emphasis and expansion of it, particularly as a distinguishing mark of His disciples (John 13:34-35), made it central to early Christian identity.
Key Themes
First John 3:23 powerfully articulates two of the epistle's most significant themes: the nature of true faith and the supremacy of love. John consistently argues that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came in the flesh (1 John 4:2-3). This faith is the basis for eternal life and fellowship with God (1 John 1:3). Simultaneously, John elevates love for fellow believers as the indispensable evidence of this faith and a reflection of God's own nature, for "God is love" (1 John 4:8). The epistle repeatedly contrasts this active, self-sacrificial love with the hatred characteristic of the world and those who do not know God (1 John 3:14-15). Thus, 1 John 3:23 synthesizes these two pillars, presenting them not as separate options but as two interwoven aspects of God's singular expectation for His children.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term signifies an authoritative prescription or injunction. John's repeated use of entolḗ throughout his epistle (e.g., 1 John 2:3-4) underscores that God's expectations are not suggestions but binding directives, reflecting His will and character. Here, it emphasizes the divine origin and mandatory nature of both belief and love.
This verb means "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." In this context, "believe on the name" implies a full, personal reliance and commitment to all that Jesus Christ is and represents—His divine identity, His redemptive work, and His authority. It is an active, ongoing trust, not merely intellectual assent.
This verb denotes a social or moral love, often characterized by self-sacrifice and benevolent action rather than mere emotion. It is the characteristic love of God, which is extended to humanity and is to be reciprocated among believers. In this verse, it refers to the active, demonstrative affection and care that believers are to show one another, serving as tangible evidence of their faith and their connection to God.
Verse Breakdown
"And this is his commandment,"
This introductory phrase immediately establishes the divine authority behind the subsequent directives. The "this" points forward to the two-fold nature of the commandment. It is not merely a human suggestion or a philosophical ideal, but a direct, singular injunction from God Himself, emphasizing its foundational importance for Christian life.
"That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,"
This is the first, foundational component of God's commandment. "Believe on the name" signifies a profound, active trust and reliance upon the entire person and authority of "his Son Jesus Christ." It encompasses acknowledging His divine identity, His saving work on the cross, His resurrection, and His Lordship. This belief is the entry point into a relationship with God and the source of salvation and eternal life.
"and love one another,"
This is the second, equally vital, component of the commandment, joined by the coordinating conjunction "and," indicating its inseparable connection to belief. This refers to the active, self-sacrificial love (agape) that believers are to demonstrate towards their fellow Christians. It is not just an emotion but a tangible commitment to their well-being, reflecting God's own character and serving as a distinguishing mark of true discipleship.
"as he gave us commandment."
This concluding phrase reinforces the divine origin and consistency of this dual command. The "he" refers to God, and specifically to Jesus Christ, who repeatedly commanded His disciples to love one another (John 13:34). This reiteration underscores that the two aspects—faith and love—are not arbitrary human ideals but are deeply rooted in the very nature and explicit instruction of God Himself, revealed through His Son.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Juxtaposition and Emphasis. The juxtaposition of "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" and "love one another" highlights the two inseparable pillars of Christian life. By presenting them within a single "commandment," John emphasizes their inherent unity and mutual dependence; one cannot exist authentically without the other. The repetition of "commandment" (Greek: entolḗ) at the beginning and end of the verse serves as a powerful device of Inclusio, framing the entire statement and underscoring the divine authority and non-negotiable nature of these two directives. This repetition also creates a sense of Emphasis, ensuring the reader fully grasps the weight and centrality of what is being commanded. Furthermore, the phrase "on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" uses Metonymy, where "name" stands for the entire person, character, authority, and saving work of Jesus, signifying a complete and holistic trust.
Theological and Thematic Connections
First John 3:23 stands as a theological cornerstone, asserting that the essence of God's command for humanity is a unified expression of faith and love. The command to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" speaks to the foundational necessity of Christology and soteriology—that salvation and true relationship with God are exclusively through personal trust in Jesus' divine identity and His atoning work. This belief is not a mere intellectual assent but a transformative commitment that reorients one's entire life around Christ. Inseparably linked is the command to "love one another," which flows directly from this saving faith. This agape love is the ethical and practical outworking of our spiritual regeneration, demonstrating the indwelling Spirit and reflecting God's own character. The verse thus teaches that true Christian obedience is holistic, encompassing both vertical devotion to God through Christ and horizontal devotion to fellow image-bearers within the community of faith. It is a profound statement on the nature of discipleship, where orthodoxy (right belief) must always lead to orthopraxy (right living, particularly in love).
Reflection and Application
First John 3:23 offers a profound and practical framework for evaluating the authenticity and vitality of our Christian walk. It strips away superficiality, directing us to the two non-negotiable pillars of faith and love. To truly believe "on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" means more than intellectual acknowledgment; it demands a daily, active reliance on His person, His finished work, and His ongoing Lordship in our lives. This belief should permeate our thoughts, decisions, and aspirations, shaping our identity and purpose. Concurrently, the command to "love one another" challenges us to move beyond mere sentimentality to tangible, sacrificial action within the body of Christ. Is our love for fellow believers evident in our forgiveness, our service, our generosity, and our willingness to bear burdens? This verse reminds us that these two commands are not optional add-ons but are the very essence of God's expectation for His children, serving as both a litmus test for genuine faith and a pathway to deeper fellowship with God and one another. Living out this dual commandment brings assurance, joy, and a powerful testimony to the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ"?
To "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" (G4100 pisteúō on G3686 ónoma of G5207 huiós Jesus G2424 Christ G5547) signifies more than just intellectual assent to facts about Jesus. The "name" here represents the entire person, character, authority, and saving work of Jesus. Therefore, believing "on the name" means placing one's complete trust, reliance, and commitment into Him—acknowledging His divine nature as God's Son, His atoning death and resurrection, and His Lordship. It implies a personal surrender and dependence on Him for salvation, forgiveness, and guidance, as articulated in passages like John 3:16 and Acts 4:12. It is the foundational act of faith that initiates and sustains a relationship with God.
Why are belief in Jesus and love for one another presented as a single "commandment"?
John presents belief in Jesus and love for one another as a single "commandment" (G1785 entolḗ) because, from God's perspective, they are two inseparable dimensions of genuine Christian life. They are not independent options but two sides of the same coin, demonstrating that true faith is never merely theoretical but always expresses itself in practical action. As Galatians 5:6 states, "faith works through love." One cannot truly claim to believe in God's Son without demonstrating love for His people, nor can one genuinely love in the way God commands without being rooted in faith in Christ. This unity reflects God's own character, who is both the object of our faith and the source of our love, and it was a core teaching of Jesus Himself, particularly in John 13:34-35.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
First John 3:23 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not merely as a command given by Christ, but as a command that is enabled and embodied by Christ. The mandate to "believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ" is fulfilled in Christ Himself, for He is the very object of that saving faith. His incarnation, sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection provide the complete and sufficient basis for humanity's reconciliation with God (Romans 5:8). Belief in His "name" means trusting in His person and finished work, which alone grants access to God and eternal life (John 14:6). Furthermore, the command to "love one another, as he gave us commandment" is fulfilled in Christ's perfect demonstration of self-sacrificial love. Jesus not only commanded love (John 15:12) but supremely exemplified it by laying down His life for His friends (John 15:13). His love is the pattern, the power, and the ultimate motivation for our love for one another. Thus, 1 John 3:23 is not a burden, but a gracious invitation to participate in the reality of Christ's saving work and His indwelling Spirit, enabling believers to live out the very life and love of God that He Himself manifested (Philippians 2:5-8).