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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - 1 John 4:14 - 4:14
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
We have seen (πεθεάμεθα)
Have deliberately and steadfastly contemplated. Compare 1Jo 1:1, and see on Joh 1:14.
Do testify (μαρτυροῦμεν)
Rev., bear witness. See on Joh 1:7.
Sent
See on 1Jo 4:9.
The Savior of the world
See the same phrase, Joh 4:42, and compare Joh 3:17. Σωτήρ Savior, occurs in John only here and Joh 4:42. Elsewhere it is applied both to God (1Ti 1:1; 1Ti 2:3; Tit 1:3; Tit 2:10; Tit 3:4; Jud 1:25), and to Christ (Luk 2:11; Act 5:31; Act 13:23; 2Ti 1:10; Tit 1:4, etc.). The title is found in Paul's Epistles of the Captivity (Eph 5:23; Phi 3:20), and in the Pastorals (see above), but not in Corinthians, Romans, Galatians, or Thessalonians. In classical writings the term is applied to many deities, especially to Zeus (Jupiter); also to Hermes (Mercury), Apollo, Hercules, and even to female deities, as Fortune and Aphrodite (Venus). “Zeus Soter” (Zeus Savior) was used as a formula in drinking at banquets. The third cup was dedicated to him. Compare Plato: “Then, by way of a third libation to the savior Zeus, let us sum up and reassert what has been said” (“Philebus,” 66). The drinking of this cup was a symbol of good fortune, and the third time came to mean the lucky time. “Twice then has the just man overthrown the unjust; and now comes the third trial, which, after Olympic fashion, is sacred to Zeus the savior,... and surely this will prove the greatest and most decisive of falls” (Plato, “Republic,” 583). Hence the proverb, τὸ τρίτον τῳ σωτῆρι, lit., the third to the savior; i.e., the third or lucky time. The name was also given later to princes or public benefactors. The kindred noun σωτηρία salvation, does not occur in John's Epistles, and appears only once in the Gospel (Joh 4:22). It is found thrice in Revelation (Rev 7:10; Rev 12:10; Rev 19:1). Σώζειν to save occurs six times in John's Gospel, and once in Revelation (Rev 21:24). It does not appear in the Epistles.