Conservative Friends Bible Study of 1 John #07 Chapter 2 Verse 28 - Chapter 3 Verses 1-10

Ohio Yearly Meeting's Podcast

In this podcast, Henry devotes most of his attention to 2:28-3:3, with the last several minutes devoted to some linguistic issues found in 1 John 3:4-10.

1 John 2

Verse 28

The Greek word “ean” which is typically mis-translated as “when” in verse 28 is more correctly translated, “if ever”. The change to “if ever” enhances the other often mis-translated word (Greek: “parousia”), usually translated “coming”, should, instead be translated “presence”. Thus, the more correct interpretation of this verse would be: If ever He is being present to us [manifesting Himself in us], we should not shrink back at that presence, but live in it. There is a sweetness in His presence of which we need not be ashamed.

1 John 3

Verse 2

The above word, “parousia” in this verse has a similar meaning as the word “coming” in verse 28. The Greek word, “phanerothe” (from phanerao) does not really mean “appeared.” Rather, a better translation of the word is “to make apparent/made obvious/manifested”. Thus, when paired with the Greek word, “ean”, the meaning becomes: if ever Christ makes Himself apparent in the follower of Jesus. The implication is not that we are waiting for a second physical coming of Christ, but rather, we are waiting for an inner realization that He is already within one, making Himself apparent.

Verse 3

Regarding the Greek word, “hagnos” instead of being translated “pure”, it has a more accurate meaning: of “holy” . . . being inwardly holy.

Verse 4

“Lawlessness”: For a Jew, the Law was everything. To talk about lawlessness was to disregard the Law of Moses.

“Cardia”: “heart”. However, in the Greek, the word, “cardia” would today be understood as “conscience” in modern-day English. In the early 17th century, the words “consciousness” and “conscience” began to be separated, developing very different meanings.

Verse 7

“Dikaios”: means “righteous”, or “upright”.

Verse 9

“Sperma”: means “seed” or “semen”. Our English word, “sperm” is derived directly from the Greek.

The quote in our introduction is from the Sixth Chapter of George Fox's Journal.

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