And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. John concludes the chapter by affirming that loving God and loving brothers are inseparably commanded together. "And this commandment have we from him" (kai tautēn tēn entolēn echomen ap' autou)—this command comes from God Himself (likely referring to Christ's teaching recorded in the gospels). It's not human invention or optional suggestion but divine commandment requiring obedience.
"That he who loveth God love his brother also" (hina ho agapōn ton theon agapā kai ton adelphon autou). The present tenses indicate habitual action—the one who characteristically loves God also characteristically loves his brother. The "also" (kai) emphasizes the inseparability—both loves must coexist. We cannot truly do one without the other. Love for God and love for fellow believers are two sides of the same coin, inseparably linked.
This commandment summarizes the chapter's teaching and Jesus's own instruction (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17). The greatest commandments are loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40); John applies this specifically to loving fellow believers. This isn't suggesting we don't love unbelievers (Jesus commanded loving enemies, Matthew 5:44), but that love for Christian brothers specifically evidences genuine love for God. The family of God should be characterized by mutual love reflecting the God who is love. When Christians fulfill this command, they authenticate the gospel and glorify God.
Historical Context
Jesus's "new commandment" to love one another (John 13:34) was new not in content (Leviticus 19:18 commanded loving neighbors) but in foundation ("as I have loved you"), standard (Christ's sacrificial love), and community (the church). The apostles consistently taught this (Romans 12:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:9, 1 Peter 1:22). Mutual love within the Christian community was Christianity's distinguishing mark in the ancient world.
This command challenged both Jewish exclusivism (loving only fellow Jews) and Greco-Roman class distinctions (preferring social equals). Christianity united Jews and Gentiles, slaves and free, rich and poor in one family commanded to love one another. This radical social leveling based on shared identity in Christ was revolutionary. John's reiteration of this command addressed communities where social divisions threatened Christian unity and love. The command remains perpetually relevant wherever Christians fail to love fellow believers across racial, economic, or cultural lines.
Questions for Reflection
How does the inseparability of loving God and loving fellow believers challenge your current priorities and relationships?
What specific actions toward fellow believers would demonstrate that you're obeying this command to love your brother?
If this is God's explicit command (not optional suggestion), what areas of disobedience regarding love for fellow Christians must you repent of?
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Analysis & Commentary
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. John concludes the chapter by affirming that loving God and loving brothers are inseparably commanded together. "And this commandment have we from him" (kai tautēn tēn entolēn echomen ap' autou)—this command comes from God Himself (likely referring to Christ's teaching recorded in the gospels). It's not human invention or optional suggestion but divine commandment requiring obedience.
"That he who loveth God love his brother also" (hina ho agapōn ton theon agapā kai ton adelphon autou). The present tenses indicate habitual action—the one who characteristically loves God also characteristically loves his brother. The "also" (kai) emphasizes the inseparability—both loves must coexist. We cannot truly do one without the other. Love for God and love for fellow believers are two sides of the same coin, inseparably linked.
This commandment summarizes the chapter's teaching and Jesus's own instruction (John 13:34-35, 15:12, 17). The greatest commandments are loving God and loving neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40); John applies this specifically to loving fellow believers. This isn't suggesting we don't love unbelievers (Jesus commanded loving enemies, Matthew 5:44), but that love for Christian brothers specifically evidences genuine love for God. The family of God should be characterized by mutual love reflecting the God who is love. When Christians fulfill this command, they authenticate the gospel and glorify God.