1 John 3:13 - Exposition

Human nature is the same as of old. There is still a Cain, the world, hating its Abel, the Church. Therefore marvel not, brethren, if the world hateth you. Here only does St. John use the address, "brethren," which is appropriate to the subject of brotherly love. Elsewhere his readers are "children" or "beloved." The "if" ( ει) with indicative) expresses no doubt as to the fact, but states it gently and conditionally.