What is the meaning of 1 John 2:26? I have written John speaks as an eyewitness apostle, laying down a permanent, Spirit-breathed record (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16). His earlier statement, “We write these things so that our joy may be complete” (1 John 1:4), shows that writing is not casual correspondence; it is divinely commissioned instruction meant to anchor believers in truth, just as his Gospel was written “so that you may believe” (John 20:31). By putting pen to parchment, John supplies a fixed standard that outlives rumors, emotions, or shifting opinions. these things The phrase points back to the warnings and assurances he has just given (1 John 2:18-25). In rapid succession he has: • Exposed the rise of “many antichrists” (v. 18). • Explained their departure from the fellowship (v. 19). • Reminded believers of the Spirit’s anointing that teaches truth (v. 20). • Urged them to abide in what they heard from the beginning (v. 24). These teachings echo Jesus’ own words—“Abide in Me” (John 15:4)—and anticipate the later affirmation, “I have written these things to you who believe…so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). to you John addresses a real, beloved community—“little children,” “fathers,” “young men” (1 John 2:12-14). His tone is personal, pastoral, and protective, echoing Paul’s tenderness toward the saints at Ephesus (“I do not cease giving thanks for you,” Ephesians 1:16). Scripture is never abstract; it is God’s direct word to His people, binding the first-century church and today’s church together in one fellowship (1 Peter 2:9). about those “There are certain men who have crept in among you unnoticed” (Jude 4). John has them in view: teachers who deny Christ’s incarnation and undermine apostolic doctrine. Their existence fulfills Jesus’ warning that “false prophets will arise” (Matthew 24:24) and Paul’s prediction that “savage wolves will come in among you” (Acts 20:29). who are trying The verb stresses continuous, active effort. Deceivers do not accidentally mislead; they strategize (1 Timothy 4:1). Like the serpent who “deceived Eve by his cunning” (2 Corinthians 11:3), they work relentlessly. Revelation 12:9 identifies the ultimate source: “the devil…who deceives the whole world.” to deceive you Their goal is to pull believers away from the gospel’s simplicity and certainty. John counters by pointing to: • The indwelling anointing that “remains in you” and “teaches you about all things” (1 John 2:27). • The call to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1). • The reminder not to be “tossed by the waves and carried about by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). Clinging to Christ’s finished work and the apostolic word guards the heart against error (Colossians 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3). summary 1 John 2:26 is a loving alert: John has written authoritative Scripture to protect believers from persistent, intentional deceivers. The antidote is steadfast reliance on the truth already received, the Spirit’s faithful teaching, and an unwavering commitment to abide in Christ. |
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