1 John 2
First John 2 can be divided into four main parts. First, it gives counsel about sin and the intercessor (verses 1-2). Second, it discusses God’s commandments and the practice of love (verses 3-11). Third, it warns about loving the world (verses 12-17). Fourth, it offers counsel about the antichrist, the anointing, and dwelling in the truth (verses 18-29). This chapter contains a message about the identity and practice of believers, and a warning against the incorrect teachings spreading in the church at that time.
1verseMy little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
2verseAnd he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.
3verseThis is how we know that we know him: if we keep his commandments.
4verseOne who says, “I know him,” and doesn’t keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn’t in him.
5verseBut God’s love has most certainly been perfected in whoever keeps his word. This is how we know that we are in him:
6versehe who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked.
7verseBrothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.
8verseAgain, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light already shines.
9verseHe who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in the darkness even until now.
10verseHe who loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in him.
11verseBut he who hates his brother is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn’t know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
12verseI write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13verseI write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Father.
14verseI have written to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
15verseDon’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him.
16verseFor all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s.
17verseThe world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.
18verseLittle children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.
19verseThey went out from us, but they didn’t belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that they might be revealed that none of them belong to us.
20verseYou have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
21verseI have not written to you because you don’t know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22verseWho is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
23verseWhoever denies the Son doesn’t have the Father. He who confesses the Son has the Father also.
24verseTherefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Son, and in the Father.
25verseThis is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.
26verseThese things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray.
27verseAs for you, the anointing which you received from him remains in you, and you don’t need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in him.
28verseNow, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
29verseIf you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.
Verses 1-2: Sin and the Intercessor
John emphasizes to believers that they should not sin, but comforts them by saying that if they do sin, Jesus Christ is there as the advocate (intercessor). Jesus also explains that he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins—offering himself not only for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world.
Verses 3-11: Commandments, Light and Darkness, and the Practice of Love
Those who claim to know God must keep his commandments, and especially love their brothers, which demonstrates that they remain in God’s light. It also emphasizes that those who do not love but instead hate still live in darkness, helping them realize that the essence of faith ultimately is the practice of love.
Verses 12-17: A Warning Against Loving the World
John addresses his readers as “little children,” “fathers,” and “young men,” offering comfort and encouragement for their different spiritual stages. He then urges them not to love the world, teaching that the cravings of the world and its boasting will not last forever—only those who do the will of God will remain forever.
Verses 18-29: The Antichrist, the Anointing, and Dwelling in the Truth
Along with the warning that many antichrists will appear in the last days, it emphasizes that true believers have received God’s anointing and therefore came to know the truth. This anointing can be seen through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and through it, they are encouraged to live in the truth by following true teaching. It also reminds them that the one who practices righteousness is righteous.
Meditation Points
- True fellowship with God is revealed in the practice of obeying his commandments (especially the commandment to love).
- You can reflect on how the values of the world differ from the values of God’s kingdom.
- Think about why it is important to discern the truth correctly and to protect yourself from false teaching.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Check yourself to see whether you truly love God and are living a life that loves your neighbor.
- If there is worldly desire, laziness, or hatred in your heart, you need the courage to let them go.
- To keep a faith that does not waver within the truth, make a small commitment you can put into practice today.