Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 3:6

"Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither knoweth him." — 1 John 3:6 (ASV)

This verse seems to contradict 1:8, 10. However, as we have reconstructed the situation , the author simultaneously faced two different problems with these precursors of Gnosticism. There were those who apparently claimed to be sinless by nature; i.e., they were unable to sin because they were “born of God.” There were others who claimed a standing with God apart from a life of righteousness. They believed that the commandments had no authority over them and taught that it was a matter of indifference to God whether they sinned or not. Therefore they could hate their brothers without guilt or concern.

In opposition to the latter opponents, the author states that those who “live” in the “sinless one” will, like him, live a life of righteousness. They commit themselves not to sin. And if they sin, they will confess it as lawlessness and abandon it.

John acknowledges that the life of righteousness is possible only in Christ.

By “living” in him, in his “sinlessness,” one can expect conformity to his righteousness. On the other hand, those who continue to sin make it certain that they have never had their eyes opened spiritually to see him, nor have they ever known him (cf. Jn 5:37-38; 8:19; 14:7, 9; 3Jn 11).