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John 17:21
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That they all may be one - This prayer was literally answered to the first believers, who were all of one heart and of one soul: Act 4:32. And why is it that believers are not in the same spirit now? Because they neither attend to the example nor to the truth of Christ. That the world may believe - are have already seen that the word, κοσμος, world, is used in several parts of this last discourse of our Lord to signify the Jewish people only. Christ will have all his members to be one in spirit - one in rights and privileges, and one in the blessedness of the future world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us--The indwelling Spirit of the Father and the Son is the one perfect bond of union, knitting up into a living unity, first all believers amongst themselves; next, this unity into one still higher, with the Father and the Son. (Observe, that Christ never mixes Himself up with His disciples as He associates Himself with the Father, but says I in THEM and THEY in US). that the world may believe that thou hast sent me--sentest me. So the grand impression upon the world at large, that the mission of Christ is divine, is to be made by the unity of His disciples. Of course, then, it must be something that shall be visible or perceptible to the world. What is it, then? Not certainly a merely formal, mechanical unity of ecclesiastical machinery. For as that may, and to a large extent does, exist in both the Western and Eastern churches, with little of the Spirit of Christ, yea much, much with which the Spirit of Christ cannot dwell so instead of convincing the world beyond its own pale of the divinity of the Gospel, it generates infidelity to a large extent within its own bosom. But the Spirit of Christ, illuminating, transforming, and reigning in the hearts of the genuine disciples of Christ, drawing them to each other as members of one family, and prompting them to loving co-operation for the good of the world--this is what, when sufficiently glowing and extended, shall force conviction upon the world that Christianity is divine. Doubtless, the more that differences among Christians disappear--the more they can agree even in minor matters--the impression upon the world may be expected to be greater. But it is not dependent upon this; for living and loving oneness in Christ is sometimes more touchingly seen even amidst and in spite of minor differences, than where no such differences exist to try the strength of their deeper unity. Yet till this living brotherhood in Christ shall show itself strong enough to destroy the sectarianism, selfishness, carnality, and apathy that eat out the heart of Christianity in all the visible sections of it, in vain shall we expect the world to be overawed by it. It is when "the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high," as a Spirit of truth and love, and upon all parts of the Christian territory alike, melting down differences and heart burnings, kindling astonishment and shame at past unfruitfulness, drawing forth longings of catholic affection, and yearnings over a world lying in wickedness, embodying themselves in palpable forms and active measures--it is then that we may expect the effect here announced to be produced, and then it will be irresistible. Should not Christians ponder these things? Should not the same mind be in them which was also in Christ Jesus about this matter? Should not His prayer be theirs?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the glory which thou gavest me,.... Not the glory of his deity; this is the same with his Father, what he has in right of nature, and not by gift; nor can it be communicated to creatures; this would be to make them one in the Godhead, as the three are one, which is not the design of the expression in the close of the verse: nor his mediatorial glory, which he had with the Father before the world began; this indeed was given him by the Father, but is not given to the saints: nor the glory, of working miracles; which glory Christ had, and which, as man, he had from the Father, and in which his own glory was manifested; this he gave to his disciples; but all that are his have not had it, and some have had it who are none of his: rather the Gospel is meant, which is glorious in its author, matter and subject, in its doctrines, in the blessing: grace it reveals, and promises it contains, and in the efficacy and usefulness of it to the souls of men. This was given to Christ, and he gave it to his disciples: I have given them; as he did the words that were given to him, Joh 17:8, that they may be one, even as we are one; for the Gospel was given to the apostles, and still is to the ministers of it, to bring men to the unity of the faith, for the perfecting of the saints, and the edifying of the body of Christ: or else the fulness both of grace and glory, which is in Christ's hands for his people, is here designed. This is one considerable branch of the glory of Christ, as Mediator, to be full of grace and truth; this was given him by the Father, and is what he communicates to his; even the Spirit, and all sorts of grace, and every supply of it; and which greatly contributes to the union of the saints among themselves: yea, eternal happiness is often signified by glory; and this is given to Christ; he has it in his hands to give to others; and he does give it, a view of it, a right unto it, a meetness for it, a pledge of it, some foretastes of it, and a kind of a possession of it; for the saints have it already, at least in him; and he will give them the actual enjoyment of it, and this in order to their consummate and perfect union together, as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is unconvincing. When people observe the community of believers, they know that it represents Jesus; a unified, loving community convinces the world to believe (John 13:35; 1 Jn 3:11).
John 17:21
Prayer for All Believers
20I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message,21that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"That They May Be one."
By Art Katz17K39:25UnityJHN 17:21ACT 20:281CO 12:121CO 14:26EPH 4:16COL 3:171PE 5:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a slot for a biblical presentation without truly understanding and honoring the divine intention behind it. The speaker calls for a revival and restoration of our understanding of God and His purpose for the church. He discusses the concept of the Trinity and how it relates to the church, highlighting the need for deference, humility, and self-deference to one another in order to experience the fullness of God's plan.
Are You Destroying the Church
By Francis Chan3.8K35:34The Sacredness of CommunityChurch UnityUnity in the ChurchNUM 20:122SA 24:152CH 7:1JHN 17:21ACT 5:11CO 3:161CO 11:27EPH 4:3TIT 3:10HEB 13:17Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's severe response to those who treat sacred matters lightly, urging believers to recognize their role as God's temple and the seriousness of their words. Chan calls for repentance and a commitment to protect the unity of the church, highlighting that the world will believe in Christ through the church's oneness. He encourages the congregation to confront divisive behavior and to foster a culture of love and respect among believers.
Reaching the Lost in Uncertain Times
By David Wilkerson2.5K30:46JHN 3:19JHN 17:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers in reaching the lost in a world filled with darkness and tension. It highlights the need for Christians to love one another deeply, forgive, restore, and maintain unity as a powerful testimony to the world. The speaker urges the congregation to embrace unity and love as the key to penetrating the darkness and fulfilling the mission of sharing the Gospel.
Godliness in the Home
By Keith Daniel2.5K1:26:53FamilyGEN 2:24MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 8:291CO 6:172CO 6:14EPH 5:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of clear guidance for young people in these end times. He expresses a deep desire for God to visit and meet the needs of every individual, regardless of age or spiritual state. The preacher prays for the presence and voice of God to be equally experienced by all, and for hearts to be washed in the blood of Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. The sermon then focuses on a passage from Ephesians 5, highlighting the concept of two becoming one in marriage and drawing a parallel to Christ and the Church being one.
The New Covenant - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english)
By Gary Wilkerson2.4K1:28:07New CovenantMAT 6:33JHN 17:17JHN 17:21ROM 12:101CO 11:29EPH 4:321JN 4:7In this sermon, the speaker encourages the congregation to gather in small groups and pray for one another. He emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of Christ and the need to love one another. The speaker shares his personal struggles as a pastor and his desire to see his church grow. He also mentions attending a conference on seeker-sensitive churches and being impressed by their methods, but realizing that his own church was not experiencing the same growth.
A Last Day Return to the Power
By Carter Conlon1.8K1:00:51PSA 133:1MAL 3:15MAT 18:20JHN 17:21ACT 4:31JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the power of unity, focusing on the need for believers to dwell together in unity based on God's Word. It highlights the blessings that come from unity, the need to put away sin, engage in serious Bible reading and prayer, reach out to others in love, and get involved in ministry. The message calls for living for the honor of God and the souls of men, making a commitment to walk in unity with God and others.
A Declaration of the Faith - Part 6
By Denny Kenaston1.7K1:09:16FaithMAT 6:33JHN 17:211TI 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize Christ-centered living over worldly entertainment. He challenges parents to take responsibility for guiding their children in the midst of a corrupt world. The preacher urges believers to abstain from loving the world and its attractions, citing 1 John 2:15. He criticizes the Christian community for embracing movies, videos, sports, and other forms of entertainment that distract from a wholehearted devotion to God.
K-532 Israel and the Apocalypse (1 of 3)
By Art Katz1.5K39:37ApocalypseISA 2:2ISA 60:1HAG 2:7MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 8:17EPH 2:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on various topics related to the preaching of the word of God. They discuss the cry and need for God, the redemption offered through Him, and the importance of knowing Him. The speaker also touches on the history of Israel and their sacrificial practices, referencing Isaiah 53. They express a deep pessimism about mankind's ability to solve the problems of the 20th century and emphasize that the only hope for humanity lies in recognizing God. The sermon concludes with a mention of the invisible cloud of witnesses and the inseparable community of Israel and the Christian church.
One
By Aaron Hurst1.5K1:26:48UnityJHN 8:30JHN 15:1JHN 17:21ROM 12:5EPH 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of resolving offenses immediately, even if they are not our fault. He reminds the audience that they are taking care of the Lord's body and should strive to deal with offenses promptly. The speaker also references a passage from John chapter 8 where Jesus had a conversation with the people, leading many to believe in him. The sermon concludes with a reminder that in order to bear fruit, believers must remain connected to the vine, relying on God's resources rather than their own.
The Church: The History of the Church on Earth - Part 2
By Stephen Kaung1.5K31:04Church HistoryMAT 16:18JHN 17:21ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 12:27EPH 2:191PE 2:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of unity and love among believers. He emphasizes the recovery of truth within the Church and the popularity of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The preacher mentions a movement that started in Dublin and spread to Britain and Europe over a span of twenty years. He also talks about a split that occurred in 1848 due to differing views on discipline. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the church to walk according to God's will.
Prayer for America
By Glenn Sheppard1.5K34:312CH 7:14MAT 6:9JHN 17:21ACT 6:4JAS 5:16This sermon by Glenn Shepard emphasizes the importance of revival and spiritual awakening, highlighting the need for deep prayer, obedience to the Holy Spirit, and a return to biblical Christianity. Glenn shares insights on the power of prayer, the impact of revival on individuals and communities, and the necessity of being doers of the Word. He calls for a genuine move of God that draws people to the heart of God, leading to transformation and awakening.
K-541 One Church, One Body (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.3K36:03Body Of ChristMAT 25:41MAT 25:44JHN 17:21ROM 11:17EPH 1:22EPH 2:14EPH 4:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience preaching in Germany and the importance of the church in shaping the direction of the nation. He discusses the rise of neo-Nazis and skinheads in Germany and suggests that this may be connected to the failure of Gentiles to recognize and extend mercy to God's people. The speaker emphasizes the need for the church to recognize and care for the least of these, as failure to do so separates us from God's context and condemns us along with the unbelieving. He calls for a radicalized message and witness from the church in Germany to bring the nation to repentance for its past and break its pride.
Few Be That Find Life
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:00:08PSA 16:11MAT 7:14JHN 17:21PHP 2:51JN 2:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of true discipleship, highlighting the need for believers to have a genuine relationship with God, to obey His commands, and to have a deep hatred for sin. It challenges individuals to pursue a life of honesty, purity, and wholehearted devotion to Jesus, following His example in every aspect of life.
Doing Greater Works Than Christ
By Zac Poonen1.2K55:33JHN 14:12JHN 17:21ROM 12:41CO 12:12GAL 5:13EPH 3:10EPH 4:16PHP 2:31PE 4:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving in the New Covenant out of love, becoming more Christ-like, and doing the will of God. It discusses the need to listen to God, deny our own will, and work together in unity despite differences. The speaker highlights the significance of each believer fulfilling their specific ministry and the wisdom of God displayed through unity amidst diversity.
The Tragedy of Departing From the Heavenly Vision
By B.H. Clendennen1.1K27:14MAT 6:24JHN 15:19JHN 17:21JHN 18:36JHN 20:212CO 6:14EPH 1:221JN 2:15REV 21:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the Church as seen by God, highlighting the tragic consequences of departing from the heavenly vision. It explores the contrast between the heavenly vision of Christ and the earthliness that can infiltrate the Church, leading to spiritual blindness, division, and a departure from God's intended purpose. The call is for the Church to return to its heavenly vision, rejecting earthly influences and embracing the fullness of the Holy Spirit for a true outpouring.
Unity Between Husband and Wife
By Zac Poonen1.0K26:35PSA 45:10MAT 19:6LUK 10:5JHN 17:21EPH 5:31This sermon emphasizes the importance of building a Christian home based on the New Covenant standards, highlighting the need for peace, unity, and spiritual foundation in marriages. It discusses leaving behind earthly attachments to prioritize the relationship between husband and wife, focusing on God's love as the central bond. The message underscores the significance of spiritual unity, divine love, and the role of Jesus in strengthening marital relationships to create a testimony for the world.
The Mind of Christ
By Stephen Kaung9961:13:29MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 12:16GAL 3:28EPH 4:3PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of unity among God's people. He emphasizes that unity should be based on four things: exaltation in Christ, consolation of love, fellowship in the spirit, and tender-heartedness and compassion. However, the speaker points out that despite having these qualities, the church in Philippi was still divided. He suggests that the human mind is in captivity and the enemy builds strongholds in our minds to stand against God. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of having the same mind and thinking the same thing in order to experience true unity and fill the joy of the Lord.
A Declaration of the Faith
By Denny Kenaston9961:09:16FaithMAT 6:33JHN 17:211TI 2:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for Christians to prioritize Christ-centered living over worldly entertainment. He challenges parents to take responsibility for guiding their children in the midst of a corrupt world. The preacher urges believers to abstain from loving the world and its attractions, citing 1 John 2:15. He criticizes the Christian community for embracing movies, videos, sports, and other forms of entertainment that distract from a wholehearted devotion to God.
Col - (4) One in Christ
By Zac Poonen9491:34:34UnityJOB 33:7PSA 24:4MAT 5:37MAT 6:1MAT 6:16JHN 17:21In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son and the impact of his discipline. He emphasizes the importance of being a good father and raising children in a godly manner. The speaker also encourages believers to prioritize the interests of others and strive for unity in the body of Christ. He concludes by highlighting the significance of speaking the truth in love and the importance of fellowship within the church.
K-481 the Union of the Church and Israel
By Art Katz8681:11:09IsraelMAT 25:41MAT 25:44JHN 17:21ROM 11:17ROM 11:24EPH 4:4HEB 12:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the Church as both triumphant and militant, united under one head. He expresses his own sense of exhaustion and discouragement, but acknowledges that his role in the Church is enhanced by the legacy of those who have gone before him. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling inadequate before a large audience, but attributes his ability to speak to the intercession of saints and the support of an invisible cloud of witnesses. He also highlights the need to approach the word of God with intuition and apprehension rather than logical analysis.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Fellowship With One Another
By Erlo Stegen7481:00:32FellowshipMAT 5:18MAT 22:39JHN 17:212CO 6:14JAS 4:41JN 1:71JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern over the phenomenon of Christians backsliding into sin after a period of revival. He emphasizes that once a person becomes a Christian, they should never go back to their old sinful ways. The speaker references a specific incident in 1968 where a Christian wedding led to the closure of bars, cinemas, and dance floors for six years, but laments that these venues were eventually reopened. He also mentions the belief that those who backslide into sin after being baptized and taking part in the Lord's Supper will face a harsher punishment in hell. The speaker encourages listeners to pause and reflect on the message and warns against the negative influence of pop music.
Believers Are in Christ
By Tim Conway6891:06:17JHN 17:21ROM 5:17ROM 8:381CO 6:152CO 5:21EPH 1:1COL 3:4This sermon delves into the profound truths of being a saint, a believer, and being in Christ as highlighted in Ephesians 1. It emphasizes the positional reality, the surrounding nature, the spiritual union, and the representation union with Christ. The sermon encourages believers to grasp the depth of their union with Christ, the life, representation, and dynamic growth that comes from being in Him.
God's Plan for the Jerusalem of the East
By Ben Torrey61445:35PSA 133:1ISA 62:1JHN 17:21This sermon delves into the history of ancient Israel, highlighting their journey, blessings, straying, and eventual restoration. It emphasizes the need for prayer, intercession, and preparation for the future, focusing on the potential restoration of North Korea and the unity of the Korean nation. The speaker shares personal experiences, insights, and a vision for a transformed Korea that will impact the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Truth & Error
By Robert B. Thompson5711:13:50JHN 14:23JHN 17:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of knowing God's voice and recognizing His presence. He emphasizes that the spirit realm, where God operates, is not bound by distance or time. The preacher highlights the story of the thief on the cross, who recognized Jesus as the Messiah and King, despite his dire circumstances. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of salvation producing good works and being attached to Jesus, who is described as the true vine. The preacher references John 15 and encourages believers to have a burden for the earth and to proclaim God's deeds among the people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That they all may be one - This prayer was literally answered to the first believers, who were all of one heart and of one soul: Act 4:32. And why is it that believers are not in the same spirit now? Because they neither attend to the example nor to the truth of Christ. That the world may believe - are have already seen that the word, κοσμος, world, is used in several parts of this last discourse of our Lord to signify the Jewish people only. Christ will have all his members to be one in spirit - one in rights and privileges, and one in the blessedness of the future world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us--The indwelling Spirit of the Father and the Son is the one perfect bond of union, knitting up into a living unity, first all believers amongst themselves; next, this unity into one still higher, with the Father and the Son. (Observe, that Christ never mixes Himself up with His disciples as He associates Himself with the Father, but says I in THEM and THEY in US). that the world may believe that thou hast sent me--sentest me. So the grand impression upon the world at large, that the mission of Christ is divine, is to be made by the unity of His disciples. Of course, then, it must be something that shall be visible or perceptible to the world. What is it, then? Not certainly a merely formal, mechanical unity of ecclesiastical machinery. For as that may, and to a large extent does, exist in both the Western and Eastern churches, with little of the Spirit of Christ, yea much, much with which the Spirit of Christ cannot dwell so instead of convincing the world beyond its own pale of the divinity of the Gospel, it generates infidelity to a large extent within its own bosom. But the Spirit of Christ, illuminating, transforming, and reigning in the hearts of the genuine disciples of Christ, drawing them to each other as members of one family, and prompting them to loving co-operation for the good of the world--this is what, when sufficiently glowing and extended, shall force conviction upon the world that Christianity is divine. Doubtless, the more that differences among Christians disappear--the more they can agree even in minor matters--the impression upon the world may be expected to be greater. But it is not dependent upon this; for living and loving oneness in Christ is sometimes more touchingly seen even amidst and in spite of minor differences, than where no such differences exist to try the strength of their deeper unity. Yet till this living brotherhood in Christ shall show itself strong enough to destroy the sectarianism, selfishness, carnality, and apathy that eat out the heart of Christianity in all the visible sections of it, in vain shall we expect the world to be overawed by it. It is when "the Spirit shall be poured upon us from on high," as a Spirit of truth and love, and upon all parts of the Christian territory alike, melting down differences and heart burnings, kindling astonishment and shame at past unfruitfulness, drawing forth longings of catholic affection, and yearnings over a world lying in wickedness, embodying themselves in palpable forms and active measures--it is then that we may expect the effect here announced to be produced, and then it will be irresistible. Should not Christians ponder these things? Should not the same mind be in them which was also in Christ Jesus about this matter? Should not His prayer be theirs?
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the glory which thou gavest me,.... Not the glory of his deity; this is the same with his Father, what he has in right of nature, and not by gift; nor can it be communicated to creatures; this would be to make them one in the Godhead, as the three are one, which is not the design of the expression in the close of the verse: nor his mediatorial glory, which he had with the Father before the world began; this indeed was given him by the Father, but is not given to the saints: nor the glory, of working miracles; which glory Christ had, and which, as man, he had from the Father, and in which his own glory was manifested; this he gave to his disciples; but all that are his have not had it, and some have had it who are none of his: rather the Gospel is meant, which is glorious in its author, matter and subject, in its doctrines, in the blessing: grace it reveals, and promises it contains, and in the efficacy and usefulness of it to the souls of men. This was given to Christ, and he gave it to his disciples: I have given them; as he did the words that were given to him, Joh 17:8, that they may be one, even as we are one; for the Gospel was given to the apostles, and still is to the ministers of it, to bring men to the unity of the faith, for the perfecting of the saints, and the edifying of the body of Christ: or else the fulness both of grace and glory, which is in Christ's hands for his people, is here designed. This is one considerable branch of the glory of Christ, as Mediator, to be full of grace and truth; this was given him by the Father, and is what he communicates to his; even the Spirit, and all sorts of grace, and every supply of it; and which greatly contributes to the union of the saints among themselves: yea, eternal happiness is often signified by glory; and this is given to Christ; he has it in his hands to give to others; and he does give it, a view of it, a right unto it, a meetness for it, a pledge of it, some foretastes of it, and a kind of a possession of it; for the saints have it already, at least in him; and he will give them the actual enjoyment of it, and this in order to their consummate and perfect union together, as a glorious church without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
17:21 For believers, becoming one with one another is an outgrowth of the union they enjoy with Jesus himself, a union modeled on the oneness of the Father and the Son. • may they be in us: Through the power of the Spirit, believers would experience a profound spiritual intimacy with the Father and the Son and be transformed (14:20, 23; 1 Jn 4:13). • Disciples of Jesus represent him, so their conduct and relationships with each other reflect the credibility of Christ in the world. When there is disunity, infighting, and intolerance, their testimony to the world is unconvincing. When people observe the community of believers, they know that it represents Jesus; a unified, loving community convinces the world to believe (John 13:35; 1 Jn 3:11).