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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - 1 John 2:8 - 2:8
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Again a new commandment (palin entolēn kainēn). Paradox, but truth. Old in teaching (as old as the story of Cain and Abel, 1Jo 3:11.), but new in practice. For this use of palin for a new turn see Joh 16:28. To walk as Christ walked is to put in practice the old commandment and so make it new (ever new and fresh), as love is as old as man and fresh in every new experience.
True in him and in you (alēthes en autōi kai en humin). This newness is shown supremely in Christ and in disciples when they walk as Jesus did (1Jo 2:6).
Because (hoti). Explanation of the paradox.
Is passing away (paragetai). Present middle indicative of paragō, old verb, to lead by, to go by (intransitive), as in Mat 20:30. Night does pass by even if slowly. See this verb in 1Jo 2:17 of the world passing by like a procession.
True (alēthinon). Genuine, reliable, no false flicker.
Already shineth (ēdē phainei). Linear present active, “is already shining” and the darkness is already passing by. Dawn is here. Is John thinking of the second coming of Christ or of the victory of truth over error, of light over darkness (cf. Joh 1:5-9), the slow but sure victory of Christ over Satan as shown in the Apocalypse? See 1Jo 1:5.