Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 3:8

"he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." — 1 John 3:8 (ASV)

There is clearly a progression in the author’s thought on sin in this section. He begins with the “sinfulness” of sin—i.e., “it is lawlessness,” or rebellion against God (v.4). Next he shows its incompatibility with Christ (v.5) and its incompatibility for anyone who lives in Christ (v.6). Now he shows the diabolic nature of sin—its source is the devil, who “has been sinning from the beginning” (v.8). That the Son of God appeared “to destroy the devil’s work” is an elaboration of what John said in v.5.

John sees the enmity of God against the devil as absolute. It lies at the heart of God’s commitment to rescue the human race from the devil’s clutches. God will destroy the devil and all his works, including those children of the devil who accept sinning as a way of life. The statement “the devil has been sinning from the beginning” probably refers to the Genesis account of the Fall and includes an identification of the devil with the serpent. He was, from the beginning, evil (cf. Jn 8:44). Therefore, the very being of those like the false teachers derives from the devil. His desires become their desires. Like him they become liars and seducers. Those who continue in sin become children of the devil (v.10).