Easter Season · Fourth Sunday of Easter · Year B
1 John 3:16-24
Love One Another
April 18, 2027
Overview & Insights
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
Verses 11–18 are unified by the theme of loving one another. Love among the members of the community was first raised in 1 John 2:10 (as love for one’s “brother” or sister) and was the link into this section of the letter in 3:10b. The background to this emphasis on love is the schism which has divided the community (1 John 2:19) and has set former community members against one another. The schismatics have shown a flagrant, Cain-like disregard for their fellow believers. The Elder is greatly concerned that there be sacrificial, practical love among the remaining Johannine Christians.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 John 3:16-24 Working Preacher
Reads love shown in laying down life and in deed and truth, with the command to believe and love.
1 John 3 Commentary: The Love of God and the Life of Love Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical treatment of practical love, a reassured heart, and abiding by the Spirit.
1 John 3:16 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on knowing love because he laid down his life, and loving in action not word only.
1 John 3:16-24 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary tying love laid down in action to the indwelling Spirit and confidence before God.
Background & Word Study
1 John 3:16 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word study of laying down life and the terms for love in deed and truth.
Books of 1-3 John Summary: Overview Video BibleProject
Animated overview of the Johannine letters and their call to love one another in truth.
1 John 3:11-18, Love One Another Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary passage summary overlapping this reading's call to lay down life for one another.
Animal Sacrifices in the Bible and the Connection to Jesus BibleProject
Explains the self-giving sacrifice background behind verse 16, that he laid down his life for us.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
How does John define love?
Love is not word or talk but deed and truth; the one who has the world's goods and shuts his heart against a brother in need has no love of God abiding in him.
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