1 John 2:5
But he that keepeth his word, in him in very deed the charity of God is perfected; and by this we know that we are in him.
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- Vulgate (Clementine)
- Qui autem servat verbum ejus, vere in hoc caritas Dei perfecta est : et in hoc scimus quoniam in ipso sumus.
- Greek New Testament (SBLGNT)
- ὃς δʼ ἂν τηρῇ αὐτοῦ τὸν λόγον, ἀληθῶς ἐν τούτῳ ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ τετελείωται. ἐν τούτῳ γινώσκομεν ὅτι ἐν αὐτῷ ἐσμεν·
Haydock's commentary
The charity of God is truly perfect.2 Notwithstanding his lesser failings, he retains the habit of charity and grace, by which he remains united to God.
And by this we know that we are in him; i.e. we are morally, though not absolutely, certain that we are in the state of grace. (Witham)
2 Perfecta est, teteleiotai. This must only be understood of charity so perfected as to be true charity, but not a perfect degree of charity.
From Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859, in the transcription made by Todd Easton and kept online by John Paul Wohlschied at johnblood.gitlab.io/haydock.
The Fathers on this verse
Clement of Alexandria The Instructor, Chapter XII. Continuation: with Texts from Scripture
And now, in truth, it is time for me to cease from my instruction, and for you to listen to the Teacher. And He, receiving you who have been trained up in excellent discipline, will teach you the oracles. To noble purpose has the Church sung, and the Bridegroom also, the only Teacher, the good Counsel, of the good Father, the true Wisdom, the Sanctuary of knowledge. “And He is the propitiation for our sins,” as John says; Jesus, who heals both our body and soul, which are the proper man. “And not for our sins only, but also for the whole world. And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar; and the truth is not in Him. But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. Hereby know we that we are in Him. …
Clement of Alexandria The Stromata, or Miscellanies, Fragments of Clemens Alexandrinus
Ver. 5 . “But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him,”, by faith and love.
St Augustine Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, 1 John I. 1, II. 11
9. “And in this,” saith he, “we do know Him, if we keep His commandments.” What commandments? “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” But still thou askest, What commandments? “But whoso,” saith he, “keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” Let us see whether this same commandment be not called love. For we were asking, what commandments, and he saith, “But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.” Mark the Gospel, whether this be not the commandment: “A new commandment,” saith the Lord, “give I unto you, that ye love one another. In this we know that we are in Him, if in Him we be perfected.” Perfected in love, he calls them: what is perfection of love? To love even enemies, and love them for this end, that they may be brethren. For not a carnal love ought ours to be. …