18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.



Ver. 18. Sinneth not] sc. That sin to death, 1Jn_5:16, nor other sins, as other men do. {See Trapp on "1Jn_3:9"}



And that wicked one toucheth him not] viz. Tactu qualitativo, as Cajetan expoundeth it, with a deadly touch; he thrusts not in his sting so far as to infuse the venom of that sin that is properly his sin, Joh_8:44, and with which he toucheth their spirits that become the serpent’s seed. He toucheth them not so as the needle is touched by the loadstone; so as to partake of his devilish spirit, and to be wholly carried after him.