Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 John 2:4

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

And from the contrary he confirms the same thing, employing the most complete proof.

Commentary on 1 John ↗

Oecumenius

"Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." Then, on the contrary, he confirms the same, using a more abundant proof, and says: Whoever says, "I know him," or "I have fellowship with him," and does not keep his commandments is a liar. For how can it be that the same person is joined to him and yet not joined? Certainly, keeping the commandments indicates obedience, while not observing them indicates that one is by no means a friend.

Commentary on 1 John ↗

Clement of Alexandria

It is the manner of life which shows up those who know the commandments; for as a man's word is, so is his life. The tree is known by its fruit, not by its blossom and leaves. Knowledge, then, comes from the fruit and from behaviour, not from talk and from blossom. …

The Stromata Book 3 ↗

Western Saints

Gregory the Dialogist

For true faith is that which does not contradict in conduct what it says in words. Hence it is that Paul says of certain false believers: "They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their deeds." Hence John says: "He who says he knows God and does not keep His commandments is a liar." Since this is so, we ought to recognize the truth of our faith in the consideration of our life. For then we are truly faithful, if we fulfill in works what we promise in words. …

Forty Gospel Homilies, Homily 29 ↗

Bede

Whoever says he knows Him but does not keep His commandments, etc. Christ is called the truth: "I am" (He says) "the way, the truth, and the life" (John XIV). Therefore, it is futile for us to boast about knowing Him when we do not keep His commandments. Nor should we consider it a great thing to know one God, since even demons believe, and tremble. But what it truly means to know God, he shows later, saying:

Commentary on the Catholic Epistles ↗