Authenticity of the Epistle
REV. FREDERICK MEYRICK, M. A.—The external evidence to the authenticity of the First Epistle of John is of the most satisfactory nature. Eusebius places it in his list of "acknowledged" books, and we have ample proof that it was acknowledged and received as the production of the apostle John in the writings of Polycarp, Papias, Irenmus, Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Cyprian: and there is no voice in antiquity raised to the contrary. On the other hand, the internal evidence for its being the work of St. John from its similarity in style, language, and doctrine to the Gospel bearing his name is overwhelming. Macknight has drawn out a list of nineteen passages in the epistle which are so similar to an equal number of passages in the Gospel that we cannot but conclude that the two writings emanated from the same mind.—Smith's Dictionary of the Bible, p. 1439.
None Without Sin
John 1:8.—If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
EPICTETUS.—Is it possible, by observing these rules, to be faultless? Impracticable; but this is possible, to use a constant endeavor to be faultless.—Epict., IV., 12.
MAXIMUS TYRIUS.—What man is so worthy as to pass through life securely and without blame?—Diss., 26.
1 John 2:18.—Little children, it is the last time; and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
See 2 Thess. 2:1-10, and 1 Tim. 4:1-4.
Cain's Envy
1 John 3:12.—Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And where fore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
MAXIMUS TYRIUS.—Those who are depraved cannot endure that the virtues should be exalted in their presence.—Diss., 29.
IDEM.—Socrates encountered the envy and hatred of those who rose against him, from their rage against things excellent.—Diss., 39.
Brotherly Love
1 John 3:16.—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.
TERTULLIAN.—Behold, how they love one another; they are ready to die one for another.— Apol., c. 39.
EUSEBIUS.—In a time of plague, the Christians visited one another, and not only hazarded their lives, but actually lost them in their zeal to preserve the lives of others.—Eccl. Hist., VII., 22.
1 John 3:18.—My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
EPICTETUS.—To all other pleasures prefer this—to know that you are obeying God, and performing, not in word but in deed, the duty of a wise and good man.—Epict., III., 24.
Approbation of Conscience
1 John 3:21.—Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
SENECA.—Many praise you, but are you satisfied with yourself, if you are what they take you for and applaud? Let your goodness be approved by your own heart.—Epist., 6.
Love Without Fear
John 4:18.—There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
ARISTOTLE.—Men love those who are not objects of fear, and in Whom they can confide; for no one loves him of whom he is afraid.—De Rhet., II., 4.
HORACE.—He who lives in fear is a slave, nor can he ever be anything better. —Epist., 16.
SENECA.—God is reverenced And 'coved: love cannot accord with fear. —Epist., 47.
The Lover of God a Lover of His Brother
1 John 4:20.—If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
CICERO.—it is very inconsistent when we are disregarded and despised by one another, to entreat that we may be dear to and beloved by the immortal gods. —De Fit., III., 20.
The Divine Commands Not Grievous
John 5:3.—His commandments are not grievous.
SENECA.—Do you know why things commanded seem impossible? I will tell you. It is because we think them so: they are not so in reality. We defend our vices because we love them, and we had rather find out some excuse for them than shake them off. Nature has given us sufficient strength, if we would exert ourselves in the use of it. We pretend we cannot, but the truth is, we will not. —Epist., 116.