1 John 4 Cross References - AUV

¹ Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world. ² Here is how to know [who is speaking from] the Holy Spirit of God: Every spirit [i.e., person] who proclaims that Jesus Christ has come [to earth] in a physical body is [speaking] from God. [See I Cor. 12:3]. ³ But every spirit who does not proclaim [this truth about] Jesus is not [speaking] from God. And this [person] represents the spirit of the antichrist [See 2:18-22; II John 7], whom you have heard would come. Well, now he is already here! ⁴ [But], you people are [followers] of God, little children [i.e., dear ones], and you have overcome them [i.e., these false teachers] because He who is in your lives [i.e., the Holy Spirit, See 3:24] is greater [i.e., more powerful] than he who is in [i.e., dominates] the world [i.e., Satan. See II Cor. 4:4]. ⁵ These [false teachers] are part of the world, so [naturally] they speak [a message endorsed] by the world and the world listens to them. ⁶ We [who preach the true Gospel] represent God; the person who knows God listens to our message; the one who does not belong to God does not listen to us. This is how we can know [the difference between those speaking by] the Holy Spirit of truth and [those speaking by] the spirit of [Satan’s] error. ⁷ Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God. ⁸ The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love. ⁹ Here is the way God’s love for us was demonstrated; He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have [spiritual] life through Him. ¹⁰ Here is [the essence of] love: [It is] not that we loved God [first], but that He loved us [See Rom. 5:6-8] and sent His Son to be a “covering over” [i.e., atonement, 2:2] for our sins. ¹¹ Loved ones, if God loved us that much, we should also love one another. ¹² No person has gazed upon God [at any time]; [but] if we love one another, God [continually] lives in our hearts, and His love is made complete within us. ¹³ This is [one way] to know we live in [fellowship with] God and that He lives in our hearts: [It is] because He has given us His Holy Spirit [to live within us, See 3:24]. ¹⁴ And we [apostles] have seen and are [reliable] witnesses that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world [See 1:2; 2:2]. ¹⁵ Whoever proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God, God [continually] lives in that person’s heart, and he lives in [fellowship with] God [See 2:23]. ¹⁶ And we have known [with certainty] and have believed [with assurance] that God has truly loved us. God’s [very nature] is love and the person who [continually] loves [Him and others] lives in [fellowship with] God [continually], and God [continually] lives in that person’s heart. ¹⁷ Here is what a complete love will do for us: It will give us boldness in [facing] the judgment day, because the way Jesus acts [regarding love] is the way we should act [while] in this world. ¹⁸ There is no [reason for] fear if one [really] loves, but a complete love removes fear [from us] because fear produces punishment [i.e., mental anxiety], and the person who is [always] afraid does not have a complete love. ¹⁹ We love [God and others] because God has first loved us. ²⁰ If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen. ²¹ And this is the [greatest] commandment [See Matt. 2:37-38] we have received from Him: [It requires] that the person who [claims to] love God should also love his brother.

⁴³ “You have heard what was said [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

¹⁵ “Look out for deceiving prophets, who approach you wearing sheep’s clothing, but who are [actually] starving wolves in their hearts. ¹⁶ You can recognize them by their fruit [i.e., by what their lives produce]. Do people harvest grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistle weeds?

¹⁵ It is true when I say to you, the districts around Sodom and Gomorrah [i.e., despite their gross sins] will be shown more leniency than that town on the day of judgment.

²⁵ A disciple is doing well if he can be [as good] as his teacher, and the slave [as good] as his master. If they have called the master of the house [i.e., Jesus] Beelzebub [i.e., the chief of evil spirits. See Mark 3:22], how much more [likely] will they call members of his household [i.e., the disciples] the same thing!

³² Therefore, every person who acknowledges me in front of people [i.e., to be their Lord and Christ], I will acknowledge him [i.e., to be my disciple] in front of my Father in heaven.

²² But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you people will.

²⁴ But I say to you, Sodom will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you will.”

³⁶ And I say to you, a person will [have to] give an account [to God] on the day of judgment for every careless word he had spoken [while on earth].

³² Then his master called for him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I canceled all of your debt because you begged me to. ³³ Should you not also have had pity on your fellow-servant just as I pitied you?’

³⁷ Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the foremost and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’

⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Pay attention so that no one leads you astray [from the truth]. ⁵ For many [false teachers] will come, claiming to be me, and saying, ‘I am the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one]’ and they will lead many people away [from the truth].

²³ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Christ,’ or ‘There [he is],’ do not believe him. ²⁴ For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform great [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray even the elect [i.e., God’s people], if possible. ²⁵ You see, I have told you [all this] ahead of time. ²⁶ Therefore, if people say to you, ‘Look, he [i.e., Christ. See verse 23] is in the desert,’ do not go out there. [Or if they say], ‘Look, he is in an inside room,’ do not believe him.

⁶ The owner had one more person [left to send], his dearly loved son. [So] he sent him to them last of all, reasoning to himself, ‘ [Surely] they will treat my son with respect.’

²⁹ And Jesus answered, “The foremost one is this [Deut. 6:4-5], ‘Hear this, you Israelites, the Lord our God is the only Lord, ³⁰ and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second one is this, ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these [i.e., love for God and man].” ³² The expert in the law of Moses said to Jesus, “Truly, Teacher, you are right in saying that God is [the only] one and that there is no other God but Him. ³³ And that to love Him with all one’s heart, with all one’s understanding, and with all one’s strength, and to love one’s neighbor the same way he loves himself, are far more [important] than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices [in the world].”

²¹ And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Christ,’ or ‘Look, there He is,’ do not believe him.

⁷⁴ that we would be delivered from the [destructive] hand of our enemies and [then] serve Him without fear ⁷⁵ by living holy and righteous lives before Him all of our days.

¹⁸ “The Holy Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me [i.e., specially chose me] to preach good news to poor people. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to those who are captives [i.e., to sin]; recovery of sight to the [spiritually as well as physically] blind; to set free those who are oppressed [i.e., by Satan] and

⁴⁷ For this reason, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. [Note: This suggests that her forgiveness was the result of her loving, but the point Jesus makes better fits the idea that her forgiveness produced love]. But the person who is forgiven of little [i.e., of only a few sins], loves [only] a little bit.”

²² Everything has been handed over to me by my Father and no one knows the Son except the Father. And [no one knows] the Father except the Son and whatever person the Son wants to reveal Him to.”

³⁷ And the teacher of the law of Moses said, “The person who showed pity on him.” Then Jesus replied, “You go and do the same thing.”

⁸ “And I tell you, every person who acknowledges me in front of people [i.e., to be his Lord and Christ], the Son of man will also acknowledge him in front of God’s angels.

⁵⁷ “And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

⁸ So, his master commended the dishonest property manager for his shrewdness. For worldly people are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light [i.e., God’s people].

⁸ And He replied, “Pay attention, so that you are not led astray [from the truth]. For many [false teachers] will come, claiming to be me, and saying, ‘I am [the Christ],’ and ‘The time is near.’ [But] do not go after them.

¹⁴ [Eventually] this Word became a human being and lived among us [Note: The word “lived” here refers to pitching a temporary tent]. (And we saw His splendor; such splendor as belongs to the Father’s only Son), full of God’s favor and truth.

¹⁴ [Eventually] this Word became a human being and lived among us [Note: The word “lived” here refers to pitching a temporary tent]. (And we saw His splendor; such splendor as belongs to the Father’s only Son), full of God’s favor and truth. ¹⁵ John gave testimony about Jesus, shouting out, “This person is the one about whom I said, ‘He who will come after me ranks above me because He existed before me.’” ¹⁶ For we have all received from His full richness one favor after another. ¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; [but] God’s favor and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God [i.e., His full splendor], but God, the only conceived [and eventually born Son], who is at the Father’s side, has shown us who He is.

¹⁸ No one has ever seen God [i.e., His full splendor], but God, the only conceived [and eventually born Son], who is at the Father’s side, has shown us who He is.

²⁹ On the next day John [the Immerser] saw Jesus approaching him and said, “Look, [there is] the Lamb of God; He [will] take away the sin of the people of the world.

¹¹ Truly, truly, I tell you, we [i.e., Jesus and His disciples] speak about what we know, and testify about what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony.

¹⁶ For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life.

¹⁶ For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge [i.e., to condemn it], but [rather] so that the people of the world could be saved [from condemnation] though Him. ¹⁸ The person who believes in Him will not be condemned, but the one who does not believe in Him has already been condemned, because he did not believe in the name of God’s one and only Son.

³¹ The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]. ³² He testifies concerning what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony.

³⁴ For the One whom God has sent [i.e., Jesus] speaks the words of God, for He [i.e., God] does not give the Holy Spirit in a limited quantity [i.e., to Jesus. See next verse].

⁴² and they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you said, but because we have heard [it] for ourselves and know that this is truly the Savior of the world.”

²³ so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

³⁶ But my testimony is greater than John’s. For the deeds the Father has given me to complete, the very deeds I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me. ³⁷ And the Father who sent me testifies concerning me. You people have never heard His voice nor seen His form.

³⁹ You search through the Scriptures [i.e., the Old Testament], because you think that you will [learn how to] have never ending life by [reading] them. And these Scriptures are what testify concerning me.

²⁹ Jesus answered them, “This is the deed that God requires: You should believe in Him whom God has sent [i.e., in Jesus].”

⁵¹ I am the living bread who came down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. Yes, and the bread that I will give [him] is my physical body, [so] that the world can have [never ending] life.”

⁵⁷ Just as the living Father has sent me, and I have [physical and spiritual] life because of the Father, so the person who eats me will also have [physical ? and spiritual] life because of me.

⁶⁹ And we apostles have believed [in you] and know that you are God’s Holy One.”

⁶ So, Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come [i.e., to be revealed to the world as its Savior], but it is always your time [i.e., they could go to the festival anytime without rousing opposition]. ⁷ The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about its deeds, that they are evil.

¹⁹ So, the Jewish authorities said to Him, “Where is your father?” Jesus answered, “You people do not know me or my Father. If you [did] know me, you would know my Father also.”

²³ Jesus replied, “You people are from below [i.e., from the earthly realm]; I am from above [i.e., from the heavenly realm]. You belong to this world; I do not belong to this world.

²⁹ And God, who sent me, is with me; He has not left me alone, because I always do what is pleasing to Him.”

⁴² Jesus replied, “If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me.

⁴⁵ But because I tell [you] the truth, you do not believe me. ⁴⁶ Which one of you can prove me guilty of sinning? If I tell you the truth, why do you not believe me? ⁴⁷ The person who belongs to God listens to the message from God. The reason you will not listen to it is because you do not belong to God.” ⁴⁸ The Jews answered and said to Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?” ⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I am not dominated by an evil spirit. But I give honor to my Father and you people dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not looking for personal honor; but there is One who is looking for it [i.e., God], and He judges people [fairly].

⁵⁴ Jesus answered them, “If I were to honor myself, that honor would be worthless. [But] it is my Father who honors me [and] you say He is your God. ⁵⁵ Now you people have not known Him [i.e., to be your Lord], but I know Him. And if I should say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I would be a liar like you. But I [do] know Him, and I obey His message.

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that people could have life to its fullest.

¹⁶ I have other sheep [also] which are not [presently] in this corral; I must lead them, too. They will hear my voice and become one flock [i.e., with the others], having one shepherd. [Note: This probably refers to believing Gentiles becoming God’s people, along with the Jews].

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them never ending life and they will never be destroyed, and no one will [be able to] steal them out of my hand. ²⁹ What my Father has given me [i.e., my sheep] are greater than everything [else], and no one is able to steal them from the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

³⁶ how can you people say to Him, whom the Father set apart and sent into the world, ‘You are speaking abusively [i.e., about God],’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? He is the One whom the Father set apart [i.e., for His service] and sent into the world.

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the person who believes in me will live on, even though he dies [physically]. ²⁶ And whoever goes on living and believing in me, will never die [spiritually]. Do you believe this?”

³¹ Judgment is now coming to this world; the prince of this world [i.e., Satan] will now be driven out.

⁴⁷ And if any person hears my message and does not obey it, I will not judge him [now], for I did not come into the world to judge it, but to save it.

²⁰ Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who welcomes whoever I send welcomes me; and the one who welcomes me, welcomes God, who sent me.”

³⁴ I am giving you a new commandment: love one another. Also you should love one another in the same way that I have loved you.

³⁴ I am giving you a new commandment: love one another. Also you should love one another in the same way that I have loved you. ³⁵ If you love one another, then everyone will know by [observing] this that you are my disciples.”

⁶ Jesus answered him, “I am the way [to God], and the truth [to believe], and the life [to live]. No one can go to the Father, except through [believing in] me.

¹⁷ He is the Holy Spirit of truth [i.e., who reveals truth], whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him or know Him. [But] you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be within you.

¹⁷ He is the Holy Spirit of truth [i.e., who reveals truth], whom the world cannot receive, for it does not see Him or know Him. [But] you know Him, for He lives with you, and will be within you. ¹⁸ I will not abandon you [Note: The Greek says, “leave you orphans”]; I will come [back] to you. ¹⁹ After a little while [longer] the world will not see me anymore, but you men will see me. Because I [will continue to] live, you will live also. ²⁰ When that day comes [i.e., after His ascension ?], you will know that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and that you are in [fellowship with] me, and that I am in you [i.e., through the Holy Spirit].

²⁰ When that day comes [i.e., after His ascension ?], you will know that I am in [fellowship with] the Father, and that you are in [fellowship with] me, and that I am in you [i.e., through the Holy Spirit]. ²¹ The person who knows [what] my commandments [are] and obeys them is the one who [truly] loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.

²¹ The person who knows [what] my commandments [are] and obeys them is the one who [truly] loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him. ²² [Then] Judas (not the betrayer) [Note: This was the son of James, See Luke 6:16. He is also called Thaddaeus, See Matt. 10:3], said to Jesus, “Lord, what has happened [i.e., to your original plans to be seen by everyone when you came. See Luke 21:27], that you will reveal yourself to us apostles [only] and not to the [whole] world?”

²² [Then] Judas (not the betrayer) [Note: This was the son of James, See Luke 6:16. He is also called Thaddaeus, See Matt. 10:3], said to Jesus, “Lord, what has happened [i.e., to your original plans to be seen by everyone when you came. See Luke 21:27], that you will reveal yourself to us apostles [only] and not to the [whole] world?” ²³ Jesus answered him, “If a person loves me, he will obey my teaching, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him [i.e., in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit].

²³ Jesus answered him, “If a person loves me, he will obey my teaching, and my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him [i.e., in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit]. ²⁴ The person who does not love me will not obey my teaching. And the message you are hearing is not mine, but belongs to the Father, who sent me. ²⁵ “I have told you these things while I am still with you. ²⁶ But the Helper, that is, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name [i.e., by my authority] will teach you everything. And He will remind you of everything that I [have] said to you.

³⁰ I will not speak with you very much anymore because the ruler of the world [i.e., Satan] is coming, and he has no control over me.

¹² My commandment [to you] is this: You should love one another just as I have loved you.

¹² My commandment [to you] is this: You should love one another just as I have loved you. ¹³ No one has [any] greater love than to give up his life for his friends.

¹⁶ You [apostles] did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you to go and bear much fruit [i.e., through their evangelizing], and that your fruit should last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask Him for in my name [i.e. by my authority].

¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own people. But since you do not belong to the world, for I chose you out of it, that is why the world hates you. ²⁰ Remember what I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater [in importance] than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will [also] persecute you, too; if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

²⁰ Remember what I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater [in importance] than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will [also] persecute you, too; if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

²⁶ “But the Helper will come, that is, the Holy Spirit of truth [i.e., who reveals truth]. He comes from the Father and I will send Him to you from the Father. [When He comes] He will give testimony about me.

²⁶ “But the Helper will come, that is, the Holy Spirit of truth [i.e., who reveals truth]. He comes from the Father and I will send Him to you from the Father. [When He comes] He will give testimony about me. ²⁷ And you will give testimony about me [also], because you men have been with me from the beginning [of my ministry].”

¹¹ [And it will be shown] judgment, because the ruler of this world [i.e., Satan. See 12:31] has been condemned [i.e., by Jesus’ death and resurrection].

¹³ However, when the Holy Spirit of truth comes, He will lead you [apostles] into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own authority, but will speak [only] what He hears [from the Father]. And He will tell you about the things that are to come.

¹³ However, when the Holy Spirit of truth comes, He will lead you [apostles] into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own authority, but will speak [only] what He hears [from the Father]. And He will tell you about the things that are to come. ¹⁴ He will honor me, for He will receive what belongs to me and will declare it to you. ¹⁵ Everything the Father has belongs to me. Therefore, I said that the Holy Spirit will receive what belongs to me and will declare it to you.

³ And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent.

¹⁴ I have given them your word, and the world hated them because they do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.

¹⁶ They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

²³ I in them, and you in me, so that they may be completely one. [This is] so the world will know that you sent me and that you love them just as you love me.

³⁷ So, Pilate said to Him, “Are you a king, then?” Jesus answered, “You are [correct in] calling me a ‘king.’ This was the [very] purpose for which I was born and came into the world, that I should testify about the truth. Every person who wants [to know and obey] the truth listens to me.”

²¹ Jesus said to them again, “May there be peace in your hearts. Just as the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.”

¹¹ Now these people [in Berea] had more character than those in Thessalonica because they [not only] received the message with an open mind but [also] examined the [Old Testament] Scriptures every day to see if what they had heard was really true.

⁵ But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia [i.e., from the town of Berea], Paul began devoting his full time to declaring the message to Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

²⁹ [Because] I know that after I am gone [from here] there will be vicious wolves [i.e., ravaging false teachers] who will come in among you, and they will not spare the flock [i.e., the congregation].

¹ [This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God.

²⁵ God presented Jesus as the atoning sacrifice [for our sins] through [our] faith in His blood [i.e., His death on the cross]. This was in order to demonstrate His justice when, by using forbearance, He passed over people’s sins in previous generations. ²⁶ [In doing this] God [also] demonstrated His justice [to people] of this present time, that He Himself is just and the One who makes the people right with Him who have faith in Jesus.

⁸ But God demonstrates His own love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ⁹ Since we are now made right with God by the blood of Christ [i.e., by His dying on the cross], how much more certain it is that we will be saved from God’s wrath [in the future] by Him! ¹⁰ For if while we were [God’s] enemies, we were restored to fellowship with Him through the death of His Son, now that we have been restored, how much more [certainly] will we be saved [from condemnation] by His life!

⁹ But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam’s ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take “spirit” here to be “Spirit” and make it “The Holy Spirit gives you life.” See next verse].

¹⁰ And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam’s ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take “spirit” here to be “Spirit” and make it “The Holy Spirit gives you life.” See next verse]. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God’s Spirit who lives in your hearts.

¹¹ But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God’s Spirit who lives in your hearts. ¹² So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, ¹³ for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. ¹⁴ For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba”, [which means] “Father.”

¹⁵ For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba”, [which means] “Father.” ¹⁶ The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. ¹⁷ And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25].

²⁹ For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11].

²⁹ For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11]. ³⁰ And [that class of] persons whom God [so] predetermined, He also called [through the Gospel. See II Thess. 2:14]. And those He called, He also made right with Himself. And those He made right with Himself, He also [determined to be] honored [i.e., in the future life]. ³¹ What then should we conclude from this? [Just this]: If God is on our side, who can [successfully] oppose us? ³² God did not withhold His own Son [from dying], but offered Him up for all of us. [Since He did that], will He not, along with Jesus, freely give us everything [else] also?

³⁷ No, [suffering any one of these things is not proof that Christ does not love us], for in spite of all these things we have a decisive victory [over life’s difficulties] through [the care shown us by] Christ who loved us.

⁹ So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

⁸ as it has been written [Isa. 19:10], “God gave them a spirit of numbness [i.e., they developed a spiritual insensitivity to God and His word]. [He gave them] eyes to see with [but they would not look], and ears to hear with [but they did not listen]. And they still have this spirit.”

⁹ Let [your] love be sincere. Hate whatever is evil. Cling to whatever is good. ¹⁰ In your love for your brothers, show tender affection toward one another. Try to outdo one another in showing respect [for each other].

⁹ For [the commandments are: Ex. 20:13ff], “You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else.” These and any other commandments are summed up in these words, “You must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” ¹⁰ If you love your neighbor, you will not do anything wrong to him. So, to love people is the way to fulfill [the requirements of] the law [See Matt. 22:39].

¹⁸ For such men are not serving our Lord Christ but their own [unspiritual] appetites. They are deceiving the minds of innocent people by their smooth talk and flattering words. ¹⁹ For everyone has heard about your obedience [to the truth], and [because of this], I am very happy over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.

⁹ But as it is written [Isa. 64:4], “The things which no eye saw or ear heard, and which did not [even] enter the mind of men, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

¹² But we [apostles] did not receive the spirit of the world [i.e., human wisdom. See verse 6], but the Holy Spirit from God, so that we could understand what was freely given to us from God [i.e., the gift of inspiration. See verses 9-10].

¹² But we [apostles] did not receive the spirit of the world [i.e., human wisdom. See verse 6], but the Holy Spirit from God, so that we could understand what was freely given to us from God [i.e., the gift of inspiration. See verses 9-10]. ¹³ These also are the things we [apostles] speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but [in words] taught by the Holy Spirit. We use [or, combine] Spirit-taught words to express [or, with] Spirit-given truth. ¹⁴ Now the natural person [Note: Since this person is contrasted with the spiritual person of verse 15, it is taken here to mean the person without the Holy Spirit] does not receive the things [i.e., truths] revealed by the Holy Spirit of God, because they are [considered] foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they must be discerned by using spiritual judgment [i.e., judgment aided by the Holy Spirit].

¹⁶ Do you people not know that you are God’s Temple [i.e., the church. See I Pet. 2:5; I Tim. 3:15], and that the Holy Spirit of God lives in you [i.e., collectively]? ¹⁷ If any person destroys God’s Temple, God will destroy him. For God’s Temple is holy [i.e., set apart for His service], and you people are His [holy] Temple.

¹³ “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food;” but God will destroy both of them. Yet the body is not intended for sexual immorality, but is intended for the Lord’s [honor and service]; and the Lord is for the body’s [benefit].

¹⁹ Or, do you not know that your [physical] body is a temple [i.e., sanctuary] for the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and who was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourselves,

³ Therefore, I am telling you that no one who speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed!” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

¹⁰ Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally].

¹³ But now [i.e., since the temporary gifts are to pass away], these three things remain: faith, hope and love; and the most important of them is love.

²⁹ And [only] two or three prophets should speak [in one meeting], and [then] other people should determine the significance [of their messages].

³⁷ If any man thinks he is a prophet or has a spiritual gift, he should realize that the things I am writing to you are the Lord’s commandment.

⁴ For the god of this world [i.e., Satan] has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they would not see the light of the Gospel of the splendor of Christ, who is the image of God.

⁶ For God, who said [Gen. 1:3], “Light will shine out of darkness,” has [also] shone in our hearts to provide [us with] the light of the knowledge of God’s splendor [as it shines] on the face of Christ. [Note: This allusion to “splendor shining on Christ’s face” may be a continuation of the analogy used in 3:13].

¹⁴ For Christ’s love for us motivates us, because we have concluded that, [since] one person [i.e., Christ] died for all people, so then all people have died. [Note: This may mean simply that Christ died for all people, who were dead in their sins]. ¹⁵ And Christ died for all people, so that those who are alive should not live for themselves anymore, but for Him who died and rose again for their sakes.

¹⁹ That is, God was in Christ restoring the world to fellowship with Himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And He entrusted to us the message of restoring people to fellowship [with Him]. ²⁰ So, we [apostles] are ambassadors, [speaking] on behalf of Christ. [It is] as though God were appealing [to people] through us: “We urge you people, on behalf of Christ, to be restored to fellowship with God.” ²¹ God considered Christ to be sinful on our behalf, even though He never sinned, so that we could be considered right with God through Him.

¹⁶ And what agreement is there between a temple of God and idols? For we are a temple of the living God, just as God said [Lev. 26:12], “I will live in them and walk among them [i.e., among His people]; and I will be their God and they will be my people.”

⁸ I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also. ⁹ For you know the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, [how] that even though He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that through His poverty you people could become [spiritually] rich.

⁷ You people are looking [merely] at the appearance of things [or, “You should look at what is obvious!” In either case, it suggests they were misjudging Paul’s ministry]. If any person is confident within himself that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: We are just as much Christ’s [servants] as he is.

¹¹ Finally, brothers, good-bye [or, “be glad”]. Be fully restored [spiritually]. Be comforted [or, “exhort one another”]. Think alike on things. Be at peace among yourselves. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

⁹ But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

⁶ For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

¹⁴ For the whole law of Moses can be fulfilled by [obeying this] one requirement [Lev. 19:18]: “You should love your neighbor the way you love yourself.”

²² But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

²² But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things. ²⁴ And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires. ²⁵ If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.

² You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. ³ All of us [Jews] also once lived among such people, fulfilling the improper cravings of our physical being and doing what our bodies and minds desired. In this natural [unconverted] state we were deserving of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. ⁴ But God, who has great love for us and abundant mercy [toward us],

⁴ But God, who has great love for us and abundant mercy [toward us], ⁵ restored [spiritual] life to us with Christ, even though we were [spiritually] dead because of our sins --- it is by God’s unearned favor that you have been saved.

²⁰ [You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned. ²¹ In [harmony with] Him the entire building [i.e., the church] is properly assembled, rising into a dedicated temple for the Lord. [See I Cor. 3:16-17]. ²² In [harmony with] Him you people are also being constructed together into a place where God lives by His Spirit.

¹⁷ so that Christ will live in your hearts through faith. [I pray] that you will be rooted and grounded in [your] love,

³¹ So, put away from you all [kinds of] bitterness and anger and wrath and brawling and slander, along with all [kinds of] malice [i.e., bad attitudes],

¹⁰ Finally, be [spiritually] strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

¹² For our struggle is not [actually] against human beings, but against rulers and authorities and leaders of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the struggle against Satanic powers which permeates life around us]. ¹³ Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that you can withstand [the devil, See verse 11] when the evil day comes. And, after you have done everything you can, still remain standing firm [in the faith].

¹¹ and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

³ For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God. ⁴ [So], when Christ, who is your [or, “our” source of] life, appears [i.e., at His second coming], then you people also will appear with Him in splendor [i.e., in heaven].

¹³ Tolerate one another’s [weaknesses] and forgive each other if anyone [of you] has a complaint against someone else. You should forgive people just as the Lord forgave you.

⁹ Now you people do not need anyone to write to you about loving [your] brothers, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

⁹ Now you people do not need anyone to write to you about loving [your] brothers, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. ¹⁰ For you certainly do practice it toward all the brothers [and sisters] throughout Macedonia. [Note: This was the province in which Thessalonica was located]. Yet we urge you, brothers, to continue doing it more and more.

²¹ Put everything [i.e., speakers and their messages] to the test, [then] hold onto what is good.

⁸ He will inflict punishment on those people who do not know God [as Savior], and on those who do not obey the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus.

³ Do not allow anyone to deceive you in any way, for it will not occur until the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness becomes evident. [Note: This “rebellion” refers to a significant falling away from the teaching and practice of true Christianity (See I Tim. 4:1), characterized by the rise of an authoritarian religious leader]. This man is doomed to be destroyed ⁴ [for] he opposes [the true Gospel message] and exalts himself against everything that is called “God” or that which is worshiped. So, he sits in God’s temple [i.e., the church ?] displaying himself as [though he were] God. ⁵ Do you not remember that I used to tell you these things when I was still with you? ⁶ [But] for now, there is something holding him back [i.e., holding back the man of lawlessness from emerging, See verses 3-4], and you people know what it is. [It is restraining him] so that he will not be revealed until his own [due] time. ⁷ For this mysterious lawlessness is already at work [or, “this lawlessness is already secretly at work”]; but the one who is holding it back [will continue to do so] until he is removed. ⁸ And then the lawless person [See verse 3] will be revealed, the one whom the Lord Jesus will destroy with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the brilliant appearance of His presence [i.e., at His second coming]. ⁹ The coming [of this lawless person] is according to the work of Satan, [and will be] attended by all kinds of powerful [i.e., miraculous] signs and false wonders, ¹⁰ and all kinds of wicked deception toward those people who are perishing [spiritually], because they refused to love the truth so they could be saved. ¹¹ And this is the reason that God sends them a strong delusion [to influence them]: It is so that they would believe the lie,

¹⁷ Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

¹⁶ And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

¹ Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.

¹⁶ He alone possesses immortality [Note: That is, only God possesses an eternal existence, with neither beginning nor ending. See John 5:26], and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen Him, or can see Him. May there be honor and never ending power to Him. May it be so.

⁷ For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control.

¹³ But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse [in their behavior], deceiving people and being deceived by them.

³ For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their “itching ears” want to hear.

³ For we [Christians] were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various kinds of [evil] desires and [sinful] pleasures. [We used to] live in malice and envy, hating people and being hated by them. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, ⁵ He saved us, not because of any good deeds we ourselves had done, but because of His mercy. [He saved us] through the washing of new birth [Note: This refers to our immersion in water] and the renewing [work] of the Holy Spirit,

⁵ For, to which angel did God ever say [Psa. 2:7], “You are my Son, today I have conceived you”? And again [II Sam. 7:14], “I will be His Father, and He will be my Son”?

²⁷ By [having] faith, he left Egypt, not being afraid of the king’s anger, for he endured [all the rigors of wandering in the desert] because he could see the invisible God.

² We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, “our”] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God’s throne. ³ Now think about how Jesus endured such opposition against Himself from sinners, so that you do not grow weary and become discouraged [yourself].

²⁸ Therefore, we should be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken [i.e., the church. See Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:6, 9]. So, with reverence and awe, we should serve God in a way that pleases Him, ²⁹ for our God is truly a consuming fire.

¹³ For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation.

¹⁹ You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought].

²² [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds?

⁸ Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

²² [Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.

²⁴ Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.

⁸ Now to summarize: All of you should think alike. Be sympathetically understanding [toward one another]. Be loving toward [your] brothers [and sisters]. Be tender-hearted and humble-minded.

¹⁶ May your conscience be able to so approve of your conduct that, even if you are ridiculed, those doing it will [eventually] have to be ashamed [of themselves] for criticizing your Christian behavior. ¹⁷ For, if it is God’s will that you should suffer, it is better [for you] that it be on account of doing right than doing wrong. ¹⁸ For Christ suffered once for people’s sins [to be forgiven]. [It was the case of] a righteous Man suffering for unrighteous people, so that He could bring you [or, “us”] to God [for salvation]. [Though] He [i.e., Jesus] was put to death physically, He was brought back to life by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some translations say “in spirit”].

¹⁸ For Christ suffered once for people’s sins [to be forgiven]. [It was the case of] a righteous Man suffering for unrighteous people, so that He could bring you [or, “us”] to God [for salvation]. [Though] He [i.e., Jesus] was put to death physically, He was brought back to life by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some translations say “in spirit”].

¹ Therefore, since Christ has suffered physically, you people should fortify yourselves with the same attitude He had. For the person who has suffered physically [i.e., in standing for Christ] has quit sinning. ² So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants. ³ For the time you have [already] spent in the past [i.e., as Gentile unbelievers] was long enough to have practiced unrestrained, indecent conduct, improper sexual cravings, riotous living, wild parties, drunken orgies and disgusting idol worship.

⁸ Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you].

¹³ You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor. ¹⁴ If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16].

¹² This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

¹ But just as there were false prophets among the people before, there will also be false teachers among you [Christians]. They will privately teach harmful doctrines that destroy people [spiritually], by even denying [that Jesus is] the Master, [and thereby] destroying themselves quickly. ² And many people will follow their unrestrained, indecent conduct, which will result in the true way [of God] being spoken against. ³ And through greedy desires and deceptive words they will exploit you [for evil purposes]. But the judgment that they have had coming for a long time, will not delay, but will eventually awaken [i.e., arrive] to bring destruction upon them.

⁹ then the Lord [surely] knows how to rescue godly people from trying situations, and to keep unrighteous people under [a sentence of] punishment [to be received] on the judgment day.

² to remember the words spoken to you in the past by the holy prophets, and what the Lord and Savior commanded you through your apostles.

⁷ But, by means of the same word [of God], the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, awaiting the judgment and destruction [by God], along with [its] ungodly people.

¹ We [apostles] proclaim to you [the truth about Jesus], who existed from the beginning [of time]. We have heard [Him] and seen [Him] with our [own] eyes. We looked at Him, and [even] touched Him with our hands. [See John 20:20]. [So, we proclaim that] He is the word of life [i.e., the life-giving Word]! ² Truly, this “Life” was made known to us and we have [actually] seen it [i.e., Him], and so we testify and proclaim to you [that He is] “the Eternal Life,” who was with the Father and was made known to us [apostles]. ³ We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

⁵ And this is the message we heard from Him, and [now want to] announce to you: God is light [i.e. righteousness] and in His [very nature] there is no trace of darkness [i.e., evil]. ⁶ If we claim to share a relationship with God and yet live in darkness [i.e., in a sinful way], we are lying and are not living a truthful life.

¹ My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am writing this to you so that you will not sin anymore. But if anyone does sin, we have Someone to go to the Father on our behalf; it is Jesus Christ, the [only] righteous One. ² And He is the One who provides a “covering over” [or atonement] for our sins [See Heb. 2:17; Dan. 9:24; II Chron. 29:24], and not for ours [who are already Christians] only, but also for the sins of the people of the whole world.

² And He is the One who provides a “covering over” [or atonement] for our sins [See Heb. 2:17; Dan. 9:24; II Chron. 29:24], and not for ours [who are already Christians] only, but also for the sins of the people of the whole world.

⁴ The person who says, “I have come to know Him,” but does not obey what He commands, is lying [by such a profession], and the truth [about the matter] is not in his heart. ⁵ But the person who obeys what His teaching requires, truly in this person love for God has been made complete. This is [another way] to be sure that we are in [fellowship with] Him:

⁹ The person who claims to be living in [harmony with] the light [i.e., by obeying God’s truth], and [yet] hates his brother is still [living] in the darkness [of sin]. ¹⁰ [However], the person who loves his brother continues to live in [harmony with] the light [of God’s truth], and such a person is not the cause of others stumbling [over his example]. ¹¹ But the person who hates his brother is in the darkness [of sin] and he lives in [harmony with] that darkness, and he does not know where he is heading, because the darkness [of sin] has blinded his eyes [to his spiritual condition].

¹³ I am writing to you fathers, because you have known Him [i.e., Christ], [who has existed] from the beginning [See John 1:1]. I am writing to you young men, because you have overcome the [power of the] evil one [i.e., through faith they had gained victory over Satan, See 5:4].

¹⁸ Dear children, it is [now] the last hour [i.e., the final period of God’s dealing with people on earth], and since you have heard that an antichrist [i.e., a person who is against Christ] is coming, even now [you should be aware that] many antichrists have [already] come. This is [one way] we know that this is the last hour.

²² Who is the liar? It is the person who denies that Jesus [truly] is the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen One]. This person is the antichrist [See verse 18]; he is the one who denies [the truth about] the Father and the Son. ²³ Every person who denies [the truth about] the Son [See 4:2-3], does not have the Father [living in his heart]; but, the person who confesses [the truth about] the Son has the Father [living in his heart] also.

²⁸ And now, little children [i.e., dear ones], continue to live in [fellowship with] Christ, so that when He appears, we may have boldness and not have [any reason] to be ashamed in front of Him at His [second] coming. ²⁹ If you know that Christ is [truly] righteous [verse 1], then you should also know that everyone who does what is right has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God [See 5:18].

¹ Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is.

³ And every person who has set his hope on this [i.e., of being like Jesus], will live [as] purely [as possible], just as He [i.e., Jesus Himself] is pure.

⁶ No person who lives in [fellowship with] Christ will continue living a sinful life; the one who keeps on sinning [however], has not seen Him or known Him [as his personal Savior].

⁹ No one who has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God continues to live a sinful life, because God’s seed [i.e., His word, See Luke 8:11] continues to live in his heart, so he cannot [continue a life of] sin, because he has been conceived by God. ¹⁰ Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God].

¹⁰ Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God]. ¹¹ [Now] this is the message that you people heard from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry], that we should love one another [See Mark 12:31],

¹¹ [Now] this is the message that you people heard from the beginning [of Christ’s ministry], that we should love one another [See Mark 12:31], ¹² not [hate each other] the way Cain did, who belonged to the evil one [i.e., Satan], when he murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? It was because his [own] actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous [See Heb. 11:4]. ¹³ So, do not be surprised, brothers, if the people of the world hate you. ¹⁴ [For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead.

¹⁴ [For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead. ¹⁵ Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God’s sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart. ¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters]. ¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart.

¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart.

¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart. ¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way.

¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way. ¹⁹ And this is how we will know that we are following [God’s] truth, and will have assurance [of it] in our hearts and before God [as well].

¹⁹ And this is how we will know that we are following [God’s] truth, and will have assurance [of it] in our hearts and before God [as well]. ²⁰ But, if our hearts condemn us [for not demonstrating God’s love for others], surely God, who is greater than our hearts [will also condemn us], because He knows all things.

²⁰ But, if our hearts condemn us [for not demonstrating God’s love for others], surely God, who is greater than our hearts [will also condemn us], because He knows all things. ²¹ Loved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us [i.e., because we are showing love by helping the needy], we can have boldness before God [in prayer for our own needs];

²¹ Loved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us [i.e., because we are showing love by helping the needy], we can have boldness before God [in prayer for our own needs]; ²² and we can be assured of receiving from God whatever we ask Him for, because we are obeying His commands [i.e., especially the one about loving others] and are practicing what is pleasing to Him. ²³ And this is His commandment: We should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ [i.e., the person of Christ], and love one another, just He has commanded us to do.

²³ And this is His commandment: We should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ [i.e., the person of Christ], and love one another, just He has commanded us to do. ²⁴ And God lives in the heart of the person who [continually] obeys His commands, and he lives in [fellowship with] God. And here is [another] way we know that God lives in our hearts: It is by [means of] the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to us. [See Rom. 8:9, 11; James 4:5; I Cor. 6:19].

¹ Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world. ² Here is how to know [who is speaking from] the Holy Spirit of God: Every spirit [i.e., person] who proclaims that Jesus Christ has come [to earth] in a physical body is [speaking] from God. [See I Cor. 12:3]. ³ But every spirit who does not proclaim [this truth about] Jesus is not [speaking] from God. And this [person] represents the spirit of the antichrist [See 2:18-22; II John 7], whom you have heard would come. Well, now he is already here! ⁴ [But], you people are [followers] of God, little children [i.e., dear ones], and you have overcome them [i.e., these false teachers] because He who is in your lives [i.e., the Holy Spirit, See 3:24] is greater [i.e., more powerful] than he who is in [i.e., dominates] the world [i.e., Satan. See II Cor. 4:4].

⁶ We [who preach the true Gospel] represent God; the person who knows God listens to our message; the one who does not belong to God does not listen to us. This is how we can know [the difference between those speaking by] the Holy Spirit of truth and [those speaking by] the spirit of [Satan’s] error. ⁷ Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God. ⁸ The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love.

⁸ The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love.

⁸ The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love. ⁹ Here is the way God’s love for us was demonstrated; He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have [spiritual] life through Him.

⁹ Here is the way God’s love for us was demonstrated; He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have [spiritual] life through Him. ¹⁰ Here is [the essence of] love: [It is] not that we loved God [first], but that He loved us [See Rom. 5:6-8] and sent His Son to be a “covering over” [i.e., atonement, 2:2] for our sins.

¹⁰ Here is [the essence of] love: [It is] not that we loved God [first], but that He loved us [See Rom. 5:6-8] and sent His Son to be a “covering over” [i.e., atonement, 2:2] for our sins. ¹¹ Loved ones, if God loved us that much, we should also love one another. ¹² No person has gazed upon God [at any time]; [but] if we love one another, God [continually] lives in our hearts, and His love is made complete within us.

¹² No person has gazed upon God [at any time]; [but] if we love one another, God [continually] lives in our hearts, and His love is made complete within us. ¹³ This is [one way] to know we live in [fellowship with] God and that He lives in our hearts: [It is] because He has given us His Holy Spirit [to live within us, See 3:24].

¹³ This is [one way] to know we live in [fellowship with] God and that He lives in our hearts: [It is] because He has given us His Holy Spirit [to live within us, See 3:24].

¹⁵ Whoever proclaims that Jesus is the Son of God, God [continually] lives in that person’s heart, and he lives in [fellowship with] God [See 2:23]. ¹⁶ And we have known [with certainty] and have believed [with assurance] that God has truly loved us. God’s [very nature] is love and the person who [continually] loves [Him and others] lives in [fellowship with] God [continually], and God [continually] lives in that person’s heart.

¹⁶ And we have known [with certainty] and have believed [with assurance] that God has truly loved us. God’s [very nature] is love and the person who [continually] loves [Him and others] lives in [fellowship with] God [continually], and God [continually] lives in that person’s heart. ¹⁷ Here is what a complete love will do for us: It will give us boldness in [facing] the judgment day, because the way Jesus acts [regarding love] is the way we should act [while] in this world. ¹⁸ There is no [reason for] fear if one [really] loves, but a complete love removes fear [from us] because fear produces punishment [i.e., mental anxiety], and the person who is [always] afraid does not have a complete love. ¹⁹ We love [God and others] because God has first loved us. ²⁰ If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen.

²⁰ If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen.

¹ Every person who believes that Jesus is the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God. And everyone who [continually] loves God, who did the conceiving, also [must continually] love the person whom God has [spiritually] conceived.

⁴ For whoever [Note: The Greek says “whatever”] is [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God will overcome [the evil influence of] the world. And this is [how] that victory can be gained over the world: [It is through] our faith [in God]. ⁵ And who is the person who can overcome [the evil influence of] the world? [It is] the one who [truly] believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

⁹ If we [are willing to] accept the testimony of people about matters, [surely we ought to accept that] the testimony of God is more reliable; because the testimony of God is that He has presented [confirming] testimony concerning [the identity and mission of] His Son.

¹¹ And this is the testimony [of God]: He gave to us [the hope of] never ending life, and this life is [available through fellowship] in His Son.

¹⁹ We [also] know that we are [children] of God and that the people of the whole world lie under [the control of] the evil one [i.e., Satan].

⁷ For many deceivers have begun circulating in the world; they are those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come [to earth] in a physical body. Such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist [See I John 2:18f].

¹⁷ But you dearly loved ones, you should remember the message that was previously told to you by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ,

² I know about your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. [I know] that you cannot tolerate wicked men and that you have tested those who call themselves apostles, but really are not, and found them to be liars.

⁹ Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called “the Devil,” and “Satan,” the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels.

¹¹ And they [i.e., the brothers. See 6:9-11] gained the victory over Satan by the blood of the Lamb, and by [remaining true to] the message of their testimony. And they did not love their lives [so much that they refused] to die [for their faith].