1Jo 3:22-23 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him . If we are truly his children, and ask in a proper manner. . Comp. . The declaration here made must be understood with these limitations: (1.) that we ask in a proper manner, ; and, (2,) that the thing asked shall be such as will be consistent for God to give; that is, such as he shall see to be best for us, . . Because we keep his commandments . Not that this is the meritorious ground of our being heard, but that it furnishes evidence that we are his children, and he hears his children as such. And do those things that are pleasing in his sight . As a parent is disposed to bestow favours on obedient, affectionate, and dutiful children, so God is on those who please him by their obedience and submission to his will. We can have no hope that he will hear us unless we do so live as to please him. (d) "whatsoever"

1 John 3:22-23

Verse 22. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him. If we are truly his children, and ask in a proper manner. Mt 7:7. Comp. Mk 11:24, Lk 11:9, 18:1-10, Jn 14:13, 15:7, 1Jn 5:14. The declaration here made must be understood with these limitations:

(1.) that we ask in a proper manner, Jas 4:3; and,

(2,) that the thing asked shall be such as will be consistent for God to give; that is, such as he shall see to be best for us, 1Jn 5:14. 1Jn 5:14.

Because we keep his commandments. Not that this is the meritorious ground of our being heard, but that it furnishes evidence that we are his children, and he hears his children as such.

And do those things that are pleasing in his sight. As a parent is disposed to bestow favours on obedient, affectionate, and dutiful children, so God is on those who please him by their obedience and submission to his will. We can have no hope that he will hear us unless we do so live as to please him.

(d) "whatsoever" Ps 145:18,19, Prov 15:29, Mk 11:24 Verse 23. And this is his commandment. His commandment, by way of eminence; the leading, principal thing which he enjoins on us; the commandment which lies at the foundation of all true obedience.

That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ. Mk 16:16. Comp. Jn 16:1, Acts 16:31.

And love one another, etc. This follows from the other, and hence they are mentioned as together constituting his commandment. Jn 13:36.

(e) "this is his commandment" De 18:15-19, Jn 14:1