Commentary on 1 John 3:1

Verse: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not."

Introduction

The epistle of 1 John provides profound insights into the nature of God, love, and the identity of believers. In 1 John 3:1, the apostle John articulates a key element of Christian doctrine—the believer’s relationship with God as His children. This verse encapsulates the theme of divine love and emphasizes the transformative impact it has on the believer's identity.

Analysis of the Key Themes

• Divine Love: The phrase "what manner of love" hints at the extraordinary nature of God's love which is incomparable and unparalleled. Scholars like Matthew Henry emphasize that the love expressed by God surpasses all human understanding.
• A Calling to Sonship: The title "sons of God" signifies not only a relational intimacy with God but also carries implications of privilege, inheritance, and responsibility. Albert Barnes notes that this sonship is a gift bestowed by God, emphasizing grace rather than merit.
• The Ignorance of the World: The latter part of the verse highlights the world’s inability to recognize believers as children of God, similar to its failure to recognize Christ Himself. Adam Clarke remarks that this ignorance stems from the world’s failure to understand spiritual realities, contrasting worldly values with divine revelation.

The Nature of God's Love

The aspect of God's love is central to this verse. As conveyed by Henry, this love is manifested in several ways:

• Unconditional and Sacrificial: God’s love is not based on our worthiness but on His character, as demonstrated in the sacrifice of Christ.
• Transformative: The love received by believers transforms their identity. They are called from darkness to light and from strangers to children.
• Permanent: Unlike human love, which can be fickle, God's love is steadfast and eternal, giving believers assurance and hope in their salvation.

The Implications of Being Called Sons of God

The title "sons of God" carries significant theological weight. According to Barnes, this relationship involves several key implications:

• Identity: Believers derive their identity from their relationship with God, distinguishing them from the world.
• Inheritance: As sons, believers are heirs to the promises of God, including eternal life and the blessings of the Kingdom.
• Responsibility: This status also implies a call to live in accordance with God’s character, embodying the love and righteousness that He exemplifies.

Understanding the World’s Ignorance

The phrase "the world knoweth us not" speaks to the alienation between followers of Christ and the secular world. Clarke points out that this ignorance represents a deeper spiritual blindness:

• Spiritual Blindness: Those who do not recognize God’s children reflect a broader ignorance of God Himself. Just as they rejected Christ, they also reject His followers.
• Separation of Values: The priorities and values of believers often conflict with those of the world, which leads to misunderstanding and rejection.
• Hope Amidst Rejection: While the world may not acknowledge believers, this does not diminish their value in God's eyes; instead, it reinforces their identity as His beloved children.

Theological Reflections

This verse opens avenues for important theological reflections on the nature of God's love, our identity in Christ and the distinction between the church and the world. As Matthew Henry highlights, understanding our standing before God shapes our actions and attitudes.

Furthermore, it serves as an encouragement to believers amid trials and societal rejection. Knowing that they are beloved children of God offers assurance in times of uncertainty.

Practical Applications for Today’s Believers

In light of 1 John 3:1, believers are called to:

• Embrace Your Identity: Understand and celebrate your identity as a child of God, which should influence how you live and interact with others.
• Reflect God’s Love: Actively demonstrate the love of God to others, showcasing the transformative nature of divine love in your life.
• Endure in Rejection: Be prepared to face misunderstanding and rejection from the world, while finding comfort and strength in the acceptance of the Father.

Conclusion

1 John 3:1 beautifully encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith—the staggering love of God that grants believers the identity of being His children. This remarkable truth holds profound implications for how believers view themselves, interact with the world, and reflect the love of God to others. By integrating insights from the commentaries of Henry, Barnes, and Clarke, we gain a richer understanding of this verse, which serves not only as a theological foundation but also as a source of encouragement and strength for the journey of faith.