Commentary on 1 John

Origen of Alexandria (185–253)

God is light, according to John. The only-begotten Son therefore is the brightness of that light, proceeding from God without separation, as brightness from light, and lightening the whole creation.

How could Jesus have become an advocate and propitiation without the power of God which completely destroys our weakness, a power furnished by Jesus which flows in the souls of believers?

Let us consider whether the title advocate ("paraclete") means one thing when applied to the Savior and another when applied to the Holy Spirit. In regard to the Savior "paraclete" seems to mean intercessor, for in Greek it bears both meanings, comforter and intercessor, but according to the phrase which follows, in which it is said that he is the propitiation for our sins, it seems that it must mean intercessor, because he intercedes with the Father for our sins. When used of the Holy Spirit, however, the word paraclete ought to be understood as comforter, because he provides comfort for the souls to whom he opens and reveals a consciousness of spiritual knowledge.

Whoever does evil and hates his brother has extinguished the lamp of love, and therefore he walks in darkness.

See also

• More works by Origen of Alexandria

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