1 John 2

In this chapter, John emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commandments, especially the command to love others. He contrasts light and darkness, highlighting how true believers should walk in the light by loving others and rejecting sinful behavior. John also warns against the deceit of the world and encourages believers to remain in Christ, knowing their eternal salvation is assured in Him.

1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV): My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

John addresses his readers affectionately, calling them "little children," emphasizing his pastoral care. He encourages them not to sin, but reassures them that if they do, Jesus is their Advocate before the Father. Christ’s role as the "propitiation" signifies that He took on the punishment for sin, satisfying God’s justice. This atonement is not limited to believers but extends to all who would receive Him.

1 John 2:3 (NKJV): Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.

John provides a clear test of genuine faith: obedience to God’s commandments. Knowing God is not just intellectual; it’s demonstrated by following His teachings. True relationship with God manifests in a transformed life that aligns with His will.

1 John 2:4 (NKJV): He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

John warns against false claims of knowing God without accompanying obedience. To claim knowledge of God while living contrary to His commands is hypocrisy. Genuine faith is always reflected in actions that align with God’s will and truth.

1 John 2:5-6 (NKJV): But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

John explains that those who keep God's word experience the perfection of God's love in their lives. Abiding in Christ means living like Christ, walking in His footsteps of love, humility, and obedience. True followers of Christ reflect His character in their daily lives.

1 John 2:7-8 (NKJV): Brethren, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning. Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

John reminds the believers that the commandment to love one another is not new—it has been part of God’s will since the beginning. However, he calls it "new" because its full expression is seen in Christ and in His followers. As believers live in love, the "darkness" of sin and hatred fades, and the light of Christ shines through them.

1 John 2:9-11 (NKJV): He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

John contrasts love and hatred, illustrating that hatred reveals spiritual blindness. One cannot claim to live in the light of Christ while harboring hatred. True believers love their brothers and sisters in Christ, walking in the light without stumbling. Hatred blinds a person, keeping them in spiritual darkness.

1 John 2:12-13 (NKJV): I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.

John addresses various groups within the church: "little children" (likely new believers), "fathers" (mature believers), and "young men" (those who are strong in faith). Each has a different level of spiritual experience, but they all share in the victory through Christ—whether it’s the forgiveness of sins, deep knowledge of God, or overcoming the devil’s temptations.

1 John 2:14 (NKJV): I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Here, John repeats his message to emphasize spiritual growth. The fathers are commended for their long-standing relationship with God, while the young men are praised for their strength and the indwelling word of God, which empowers them to resist Satan’s schemes.

1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV): Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

John warns against the dangers of loving the world. The "lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life" represent worldly desires that pull people away from God. These desires are temporary and will pass away. In contrast, those who do God’s will have eternal life, highlighting the superiority of spiritual values over earthly pleasures.

1 John 2:18-19 (NKJV): Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

John speaks of the "last hour" and the presence of many antichrists, referring to those who deny Christ. These individuals had once been part of the Christian community but left, revealing they were never truly believers. Their departure shows their rejection of the truth, and their actions serve as a warning for the end times.

1 John 2:20-21 (NKJV): But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

John reassures the believers that they have been anointed by the Holy Spirit, granting them understanding of the truth. This knowledge equips them to discern lies from the truth, and John emphasizes that he is reminding them of what they already know, rather than teaching something new. Their connection to the Holy Spirit helps them stand firm against falsehood.

1 John 2:22-23 (NKJV):
Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

John clearly defines the spirit of antichrist as anyone who denies the identity of Jesus as the Christ. Denying Christ also means rejecting the Father, as the two are inseparably linked. Conversely, to acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God is to have a relationship with the Father. This demonstrates the centrality of Jesus in one’s faith and connection to God.

1 John 2:24-25 (NKJV):
Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.

John encourages the believers to hold on to the foundational truths they were taught. By remaining in the teachings of Christ, they maintain their fellowship with both the Son and the Father. The ultimate reward of this faithfulness is the promise of eternal life, which God offers to all who abide in His word.

1 John 2:26-27 (NKJV):
These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

John writes to protect the believers from deceivers, reminding them that they possess the Holy Spirit’s anointing. This anointing gives them discernment, enabling them to recognize truth without needing new teachings from those who seek to mislead them. The Spirit’s guidance helps them remain faithful to Christ.

1 John 2:28 (NKJV):
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.

John urges believers to stay in close fellowship with Christ so that when He returns, they can stand before Him confidently, without shame. Abiding in Christ means living faithfully, and this readiness gives them assurance in the face of His second coming, knowing they have remained true to their calling.

1 John 2:29 (NKJV):
If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him.

John concludes by connecting righteousness to being born of God. Just as God is righteous, His children will naturally practice righteousness. The evidence of a person’s spiritual rebirth is seen in their consistent pursuit of right living, reflecting the character of the Father.