bible.com/bible/100/php.1.9-10.NASB1995
Notes from Jonn MacArthur Study Bible
1:9 in … knowledge. This is from the Gr. word that describes genuine, full, or advanced knowledge. Biblical love is not an empty sentimentalism but is anchored deeply in the truth of Scripture and regulated by it (cf. Eph 5:2, 3; 1Pe 1:22). discernment. The Eng. word “aesthetic” comes from this Gr. word, which speaks of moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge. Love is not blind, but perceptive, and it carefully scrutinizes to distinguish between right and wrong. See note on 1Th 5:21, 22.
† 1:10 approve the … excellent. “Approve” in classical Gr. described the assaying of metals or the testing of money for authenticity (cf. Lk 12:56; 14:19). “Excellent” means “to differ.” Believers need the ability to distinguish those things that are truly important so they can establish the right priorities. sincere and blameless. “Sincere” means “genuine,” and may have originally meant “tested by sunlight.” In the ancient world, dishonest pottery dealers filled cracks in their inferior products with wax before glazing and painting them, making worthless pots difficult to distinguish from expensive ones. The only way to avoid being defrauded was to hold the pot to the sun, making the wax-filled cracks obvious. Dealers marked their fine pottery that could withstand “sun testing” as sine cera—”without wax.” “Blameless” can be translated “without offense,” referring to relational integrity. Christians are to live lives of true integrity that do not cause others to sin (see notes on Ro 12:9; 1Co 10:31, 32; 2Co 1:12; cf. Ro 14; 1Co 8). the day of Christ. See note on v. 6.
Living Waters 