1 John 3:13 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.

NIV: Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

NASB: Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

CSB: Do not be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

NLT: So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.

KJV: Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.

NKJV: Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.

John extends his discussion of hate from verse 12. John's audience, apparently, was already experiencing some level of persecution. While some considered this persecution a surprise, John warned them to expect it. His teaching reflects Paul's words in 2 Timothy 3:12: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." The reason for this persecution is the same reason Cain killed Abel: because the world is evil and it hates goodness. There is a hateful jealousy in sin, which despises seeing others do what is right.

Jesus taught, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10). Such people will be rewarded (Matthew 5:12). Jesus also taught, "If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). As opposed to the claim that salvation will make all of our earthly trouble vanish, the gospel implies that loving God means being hated by the world.

First John 3:11–18 describes the contrast between hate and love, and how love ought to be seen in the life of a Christian believer. Evil has a jealous hatred for good. This is why Cain killed Abel, and why hatred is considered the spiritual equivalent to murder. Christians are expected to do more than feel love, they are commanded to act on it, in selfless sacrifice.

The third chapter of 1 John focuses mostly on the concept of love. Because of His love, God not only calls us His children, He actually makes us His children. John also explains how sin, including hate, is never the result of a proper relationship with God. Christians, in contrast to the world, are supposed to do more than simply ''feel'' love; we are to act on it, as well

Chapters 1 and 2 introduced the stark differences between those who truly have fellowship with Christ, as opposed to those who are ''in darkness.'' Chapter 3 continues this discussion, with a particular emphasis on love. This serves as a bridge, between John's descriptions of lives lived abiding either in darkness or light, to an explanation of how God's faithfulness gives us confidence as Christian believers.

First John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. Rather than re-state these facts, John is concerned with building confidence in Christian believers. At the same time, his words encourage believers to examine their own lives for signs of their relationship with Christ. This letter also challenges false teachers and their incorrect claims about Jesus. Many themes are shared with the Gospel of John.

Accessed 5/5/2024 5:36:39 AM