But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
11. But he that hateth his brother. He again reminds us, that whatever specious appearance of excellency thou shewest, there is yet nothing but what is sinful if love be absent. This passage may be compared with the thirteenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians, and no long explanation is needed.
The precept of love is old, yes, but it admits new enforcements and motives suited to each age. In innocence men would love as one blood; in sin and recovery, as partners in hope; in the covenant people, as heirs of the Messiah; and now in the gospel church, with obligations renewed by Christ Himself.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 John 2:7-11
But he that hateth his brother is in darkness,.... As is before expressed in Jo1 2:9, to which is added, and walketh in darkness; he goes on in it, and takes delight in it, as dangerous and uncomfortable as it is: and knoweth not whither he goeth; he cannot discern between good and evil; he puts darkness for light, and light for darkness; he sees...