We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.
We - emphatic: hated as we are by the world, we know (as an assured fact) what it knows not.
Passed, х metabebeekamen (G3327)] - changed our state. (Colossians 1:13).
From death unto life, х ek (G1537) tou (G3588) ... eis (G1519) teen (G3588)] - 'out of the death (which enthrals the unregenerate) into the life' (of the regenerate). A palpable coincidence, the beloved disciple adopting his Lord's words (John 5:24, end).
Because we love the brethren - the ground, not of passing over out of death into life, but of our knowing that we have. Love is the evidence of our justification and regeneration, not the cause. 'Let each go to his own heart: if he find there love to the brethren, let him feel assured he has passed from death unto life. Let him not mind that his glory is only hidden: when the Lord shall come he shall appear in glory. He has vital energy, but it is still winter: the root has vigour, but the branches are dry: within there is vigorous marrow, within are leaves, within fruits; but they must wait for summer' (Augustine).
He that loveth not. 'Aleph (') A B, Vulgate, omit "his brother" (C), which makes the statement general.
Abideth - still.
In death - `in the (spiritual) death' (ending in eternal death), the state of all by nature. His want of love evidences that no saving change has passed over him.