1 John 3:2-3 ESV

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 John 3:3

3. this hope—of being hereafter "like Him." Faith and love, as well as hope, occur in 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:23. in—rather, "(resting) upon Him"; grounded on His promises. purifieth himself—by Christ's Spirit in him (John 15:5, end). "Thou purifiest thyself, not of thyself, but of Him who comes that He may dwell in thee" [AUGUSTINE]. One's justification through faith is presupposed. as he is pure—unsullied with any uncleanness. The Second Person, by whom both the Law and Gospel were given. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 John 3:2

Even though we are presently God’s children we do not yet fully reflect His image as we shall. However when (not "if," another third class condition) Jesus Christ appears and we see Him, we shall experience full transformation (i.e., glorification). Evidently seeing Jesus Christ will fully transform us physically and spiritually (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:12)."A child of God is here and now, indeed, like a diamond that is crystal white within but is still uncut and shows no brilliant flashes from... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 John 3:3

In the meantime we anticipate seeing and knowing Jesus Christ fully, and that anticipation has a purifying effect on us now (cf. 1 John 2:1; 1 John 2:6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7; 1 John 3:16; 1 John 4:17; Matthew 5:8). [Note: See Wayne A. Brindle, "Biblical Evidence for the Imminence of the Rapture," Bibliotheca Sacra 158:630 (April-June 2001):149-50.] Similarly in the future seeing and knowing Christ will have a completely purifying effect on us (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:18). The believer’s hope is... read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 1 John 3:2

3:2 manifested; (h-17) Actual manifestation is here meant; not merely a revelation for faith. know (i-19) Oida , as ch. 2.29. it (k-22) Or 'he.' read more

John Darby

Darby's Synopsis of the New Testament - 1 John 3:3

3:3 him (l-9) Him who is to be manifested. read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 John 3:1-24

The Righteousness of God and the Duties and Privileges of Sonship1. The sons of God] RV ’children of God,’ adding the words, ’and such we are.’ The word translated ’children’ here is characteristic of St. John, and implies community of nature, whereas the term ’sons’ as used by St. Paul suggests the privileged condition of heirship. 2. Note changes in RV. 3. This hope] of being hereafter like God in Christ.In him] RV ’set on him.’ Purifieth himself] ’He who looks forward to becoming like God... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 John 3:1-3

III.(2) THE DIVINE BIRTH THE OUTCOME OF GOD’S LOVE (1 John 3:1-3).—The thought of the new birth suddenly fires the Apostle’s mind with reverent amazement, in which he calls on his hearers to join. He then sketches some consequences of the Sonship:—(a)Neglect by the world, just as the world knew not Him who made them sons.(b)The future glory in the perfected likeness.(c)The purifying result of hope.Sons.—Rather, children. The asserted relationship is no mere empty rhetorical title. It is not... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 John 3:1-24

Sons of God 1 John 3:1 I. The grandest Title. Men will do much and endure many things for the sake of worldly honour. A man will work hard and deny himself, that he may obtain a title, or receive some cross or order from the hands of his sovereign. But these things do not last, the honour of a peerage cannot prolong a life, and the Victoria Cross, or the glittering order, must be laid on a coffin one day. The grandest title is that which the Father bestows upon us the sons of God. It means... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 John 3:1-18

IV. RIGHTEOUSNESS AND LOVE AS MANIFESTED BY THE CHILDREN OF GOD CHAPTERS 2:28-3:18 1. The children of God and their coming manifestation (1 John 2:28 -1 John 3:3 ) 2. Sin and the new nature (1 John 3:4-9 ) 3. Righteousness and love (1 John 3:10-18 ) 1 John 2:28 -1 John 3:3 . The address to the babes in Christ ended with the 27th verse, and now once more he speaks of the teknia, the little children, by which all believers are meant. The exhortation has been much misunderstood. It does not... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 John 3:2

3:2 {3} Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be {c} like him; for we shall see him {d} as he is.(3) The other: This dignity is not fully revealed to us ourselves, much less to strangers, but we are sure of the accomplishment of it, in as much as we shall be like the Son of God himself and shall enjoy his sight indeed, such as he is now, but yet this is deferred until his next coming.(c) Like, but not... read more