Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Read it in contextLove shown in action
Start reading at 1 John 3:11 (1 John 3:11 to 1 John 3:24).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The appeal to love moves from the negative example of Cain to Christ's self-giving and practical provision for a brother's need.
3:11For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.
3:12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
3:13Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.
3:14We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
3:15Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.
3:16Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
3:18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
3:19And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
3:20For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
3:21Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
3:22And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
3:23And 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.
3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? John the apostle is the traditional author, associated with the eyewitness testimony and teaching also found in the Gospel of John. Biblical references: 1 John 1:1; 1 John 1:3. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 John 3:1–5:21): The same community receives instruction about love, righteous conduct, testing spirits, faith in Jesus Christ, and prayer. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Believers in the name of the Son of God, addressed as children and beloved, facing false teaching and a separation within their community. No city is named. Biblical references: 1 John 2:19; 1 John 4:1; 1 John 5:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Love shown in action. Read 1 John 3:11 through 1 John 3:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The appeal to love moves from the negative example of Cain to Christ's self-giving and practical provision for a brother's need. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The writing addresses current claims, departures, and conduct among its readers without supplying a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? No city of destination or composition is explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Love shown in action (1 John 3:11 to 1 John 3:24).
Start reading at 1 John 3:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The writing centers on Jesus Christ come in the flesh, His cleansing and advocacy, and abiding in Him. Love and obedience are presented as tests of claimed fellowship. See 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Test claims of fellowship by truth, love, and obedience. Assurance should be read with the letter's calls to abide and its warnings about deception. interpretation
Cited: 1 John 3:11, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1, 1 John 2:3, 1 John 4:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe letter does not name its author, but claims eyewitness testimony of the Word of life. 1 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle, and the style closely matches the Gospel of John.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 John 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe hope of seeing Him is joined to purification and a contrast between righteous conduct and sin, testing what claimed sonship means.
Connection to the wholeThe appeal to love moves from the negative example of Cain to Christ's self-giving and practical provision for a brother's need.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 John
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This letter does not name its writer or a geographical destination. It addresses a believing community as children, fathers, young men, and beloved, testing claims of fellowship through truth about Jesus, obedience, and love.
Connection to the wholeThe letter tests claims to know God, warns against the world and antichrists, and urges the readers to abide in what they heard.
Connection to the wholeThe community's identity is connected to conduct and love, while competing spiritual claims are tested by their confession concerning Jesus Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe argument connects God's initiating love with mutual love, obedient faith, and the testimony God has given concerning His Son.