Vv. 8 and 9 contain the second quotation and refutation of the false teachers, compare the introductory remarks on 1:5–2:2. We have no sin. Constructions of “to have” with a noun like “fellowship” (1:3, 6f), “sin” (1:8), “life” (3:15; 5:12f), “love” (4:16), “joy” (3 John 1:4), “confidence” (2:28; 3:21; 4:17; 5:14) often occur in the Johannine writings. The verb then refers to inner possession, and shows a person to be in a certain condition, or to have a certain emotion, which influences