Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Herein (en toutw). It is not clear whether the ina clause (sub-final use) is in apposition with en toutw as in John 15:8 or the oti clause (because) with the ina clause as parenthesis. Either makes sense. Westcott argues for the latter idea, which is reinforced by the preceding sentence.
With us (meq hmwn). Construed with the verb teteleiwtai (is perfected). In contrast to en hmin (verses I John 4:12, I John 4:16), emphasising cooperation. "God works with man" (Westcott). For boldness (parrhsian) in the day of judgment (only here with both articles, but often with no articles as in II Peter 2:9) see I John 2:28.
As he is (kaqwv ekeinov estin). That is Christ as in I John 2:6; I John 3:3, I John 3:5, I John 3:7, I John 3:16. Same tense (present) as in I John 3:7. "Love is a heavenly visitant" (David Smith). We are in this world to manifest Christ.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing 1 John 4:17:
1 John 2:6
1 John 4:12
1 John 4:18
DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.
