ACC ~ 1 John 3 v13

LEAVING THE DARKENED HOUSE OF DEATH. ORIGEN: If we have passed from death to life by passing from unbelief to faith, let us not be surprised if the world hates us. For no one who has failed to pass from death to life, but has remained in death, can love those who have left the darkened house of death. EXHORTATION TO MARTYRDOM 41.

DO NOT WONDER. DIDYMUS THE BLIND: It is not to be wondered at if evil people, who are here called the “world,” hate those who live godly lives according to the commands of Christ. It would be much more surprising if such people loved us instead! COMMENTARY ON 1 JOHN.

THE WORLD DISTINGUISHED FROM CREATION. AUGUSTINE: How often do you have to be told what the world is? John is not referring to the heavens or the earth or to anything which God has made but to the lovers of the world. TEN HOMILIES ON 1 JOHN 5.9.

THOSE WHO LOVE THE WORLD. BEDE: By “world” John means those who love the world. It is hardly surprising that those who love the world will be incapable of loving a brother who has separated himself from the world and whose only concern is to acquire heavenly things. Religion is an abomination to the sinner, as Scripture testifies. ON 1 JOHN.

1 Jn