3 and in this we know that we have known him, if his commands we may keep; 4 he who is saying, 'I have known him,' and his command is not keeping, a liar he is, and in him the truth is not; 5 and whoever may keep his word, truly in him the love of God hath been perfected; in this we know that in him we are. 6 He who is saying in him he doth remain, ought according as he walked also himself so to walk.
7 Brethren, a new command I write not to you, but an old command, that ye had from the beginning—the old command is the word that ye heard from the beginning; 8 again, a new command I write to you, which thing is true in him and in you, because the darkness doth pass away, and the true light doth now shine; 9 he who is saying, in the light he is, and his brother is hating, in the darkness he is till now; 10 he who is loving his brother, in the light he doth remain, and a stumbling-block in him there is not; 11 and he who is hating his brother, in the darkness he is, and in the darkness he doth walk, and he hath not known whither he doth go, because the darkness did blind his eyes.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 John 2:3-11
Commentary on 1 John 2:3-11
(Read 1 John 2:3-11)
What knowledge of Christ can that be, which sees not that he is most worthy of our entire obedience? And a disobedient life shows there is neither religion nor honesty in the professor. The love of God is perfected in him that keeps his commandments. God's grace in him attains its true mark, and produces its sovereign effect as far as may be in this world, and this is man's regeneration; though never absolutely perfect here. Yet this observing Christ's commands, has holiness and excellency which, if universal, would make the earth resemble heaven itself. The command to love one another had been in force from the beginning of the world; but it might be called a new command as given to Christians. It was new in them, as their situation was new in respect of its motives, rules, and obligations. And those who walk in hatred and enmity to believers, remain in a dark state. Christian love teaches us to value our brother's soul, and to dread every thing hurtful to his purity and peace. Where spiritual darkness dwells, in mind, the judgment, and the conscience will be darkened, and will mistake the way to heavenly life. These things demand serious self-examination; and earnest prayer, that God would show us what we are, and whither we are going.