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Selected Verse: 1 John 3:21 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| 1Jo 3:21 |
King James |
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
| Beloved--There is no "But" contrasting the two cases, Jo1 3:20-21, because "Beloved" sufficiently marks the transition to the case of the brethren walking in the full confidence of love (Jo1 3:18). The two results of our being able to "assure our hearts before Him" (Jo1 3:19), and of "our heart condemning us not" (of insincerity as to the truth in general, and as to LOVE in particular) are, (1) confidence toward God; (2) a sure answer to our prayers. John does not mean that all whose hearts do not condemn them, are therefore safe before God; for some have their conscience seared, others are ignorant of the truth, and it is not only sincerity, but sincerity in the truth which can save men. Christians are those meant here: knowing Christ's precepts and testing themselves by them. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not - If we so live as to have an approving conscience - that is, if we indulge in no secret sin; if we discharge faithfully every known duty; if we submit without complaining to all the allotments of Divine Providence.
Then have we confidence toward God - Compare the Jo1 3:19; Jo1 2:28 notes; Act 24:16 note. The apostle evidently does not mean that we have confidence toward God on the ground of what we do, as if it were meritorious, or as if it constituted a claim to his favor; but that we may so live as to have evidence of personal piety, and that we may look forward with a confident hope that we shall be accepted of him in the great day. The word here rendered "confidence" - παῤῥησίαν parrēsian - means properly "boldness;" usually boldness or openness in speaking our sentiments. See the notes at Jo1 2:28. The confidence or boldness which we have toward our Maker is founded solely on the evidence that he will graciously accept us as pardoned sinners; not in the belief that we deserve his favor. |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Beloved
The affectionate address is suggested by the preceding thought of tormenting self-accusation.
Confidence (παῤῥησίαν)
Rev., boldness. See on Jo1 2:28. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| If our heart condemn us not - If our conscience, duly enlightened by the word and Spirit of God, and comparing all our thoughts, words, and works with that word, pronounce that they agree therewith. Then have we confidence toward God - Not only our consciousness of his favour continues and increases, but we have a full persuasion, that whatsoever we ask we shall receive of him. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| If our heart condemn us not - If we be conscious to ourselves of our own sincerity, that we practice not deceit, and use no mask, then have we confidence toward God - we can appeal to him for our sincerity, and we can come with boldness to the throne of grace, to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. And therefore says the apostle, |
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.
28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.