Definition: Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It's a really important one about following God’s instructions and staying true to what He’s taught us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Don’t try to make up your own rules or create new laws. What God has already given you – the words of His message – that's the real important thing.” Let’s unpack it a bit further: “I write no new commandment unto you…” - This means John isn’t giving us a brand-new set of rules to follow. He’s not saying, “You need to do this and I will tell you how.” He's reminding us that God has already given us a clear message. "...but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning." - This is the core of it. The commandment he’s referring to is the basic teachings and guidance that God gave to people long, long ago – the whole foundation of Christian belief. Think of it like the core principles of a religion. “The old commandment is the word which ye have heard from the beginning.” - This means that everything we’ve learned about God, about love, about right and wrong, comes directly from God through His words – the Bible. It's not something we create or invent; it’s what God revealed to us. In a nutshell: This verse emphasizes that our faith isn't about us making our own rules. It's about trusting in God and following the guidelines He gave us, which is found in His Word (the Bible). Why is this important? It’s a reminder to stay rooted in God’s teachings and not stray from them. It encourages us to listen to what God has told us throughout history and to keep that message close to our hearts. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this verse to a particular biblical story or theme?