{Again a new commandment} (palin entol(886e) kain(886e)). Paradox,
but truth. Old in teaching (as old as the story of Cain and Abel,
3:11f.), but new in practice. For this use of palin for a new
turn see  Joh 16:28 . To walk as Christ walked is to put in
practice the old commandment and so make it new (ever new and
fresh), as love is as old as man and fresh in every new
experience. {True in him and in you} (al(8874)hes en aut(9369) kai en
humin). This newness is shown supremely in Christ and in
disciples when they walk as Jesus did (verse  6 ). {Because}
(hoti). Explanation of the paradox. {Is passing away}
(paragetai). Present middle indicative of parag(935c), old verb,
to lead by, to go by (intransitive), as in  Mt 20:30 . Night does
pass by even if slowly. See this verb in verse  17  of the world
passing by like a procession. {True} (al(8874)hinon). Genuine,
reliable, no false flicker. {Already shineth} ((8864)(8820)phainei).
Linear present active, "is already shining" and the darkness is
already passing by. Dawn is here. Is John thinking of the second
coming of Christ or of the victory of truth over error, of light
over darkness (cf.  Joh 1:5-9 ), the slow but sure victory of
Christ over Satan as shown in the Apocalypse? See  1:5 .