Easter Season · Third Sunday of Easter · Year B
1 John 2:1-5a
Walking in the Light
April 11, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected.” (1 John 2:5)
The next two sections of 1 John are on the theme of walking in the light. The first section, 1 John 1:5–2:2, addresses the theme in relation to the issue of sin, while the second section, 1 John 2:3–11, focuses on walking in the light in relation to obedience, especially to the love command. The terms walk , light , and darkness occur throughout the section (1:5–7; 2:6, 8–11) and unify it. The Elder’s opponents are always present in the background. They have made certain claims (e.g., If we claim in 1:6, 8, 10; “The man who says” in 2:4; “Whoever claims” in 2:6; and “Anyone who claims” in 2:9) which the Elder must raise and refute. In 1 John 1:5–2:2 the theological and ethical principles of light and darkness are stated and then worked out in relation to the problem of sin. The Elder and his opponents view this subject quite differently.
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Commentary
1 John 2 Commentary: Hindrances to Fellowship with God1 Jn 2 Commentary: Hindrances to Fellowship with God Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik works verse by verse through Christ our Advocate and the test of keeping his commandments.
1 John 2:1 Commentaries1 Jn 2:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on Jesus Christ the righteous as our Advocate with the Father.
1 John 2:1-6 Commentary (Precept Austin)1 Jn 2:1-6 Commentary (Precept Austin) Precept Austin
A deep verse-by-verse study of this exact passage with word studies and cross references.
1 John 2 (Center for Excellence in Preaching)1 Jn 2 (Center for Excellence in Preaching) Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the whole chapter, walking through knowing God by keeping his word.
Background & Word Study
1 John (Enter the Bible)1 Jn (Enter the Bible) Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary background on the setting, purpose, and themes of First John (a background resource, not a preaching commentary).
1 John 2:1 Interlinear1 Jn 2:1 Interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for close reading.
Books of 1-3 John Summary (Overview Video)Books of 1-3 Jn Summary (Overview Video) BibleProject
An animated overview of the message and structure of the Johannine letters.
Questions preachers ask
What does John teach about knowing God?
If anyone sins we have an advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous; and we know that we have come to know him if we keep his commandments and walk as he walked.
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