1 John 2

1. Advocate. The word (Paraclete) here used is applied to the Holy Spirit, and rendered “Comforter” in John xiv. 16; where see note: and cp. Rom. viii. 34; Heb. vii. 25. The help which our Lord thus gives us by His intercession is founded on His propitiatory work; see ver. 2; Heb. ix. 26. He therefore gives that aid as “a righteous One; appealing to justice as well as to compassion: see i. 9.

propitiation. “Atoning sacrifice” (Weymouth).

2 and not for ours only, etc. Not only for us who already believe in Him, but for those also who have not yet believed (iv. 14; John iii. 16; iv. 42).

3 we do know that we know Him. “Know” in the former case signifies the acquisition, in the latter the possession of knowledge. “We come to know that we know Him.”

4. I know Him. Professing to be a converted man, but showing by his conduct that he is either a deceiver or self-deceived.

5 whose keepeth His word, etc. Obedience is the test and the measure of love. When love is become perfect, obedience will be perfect too.

6 in Him. That is, in Christ: see John xv. 4-10, and notes.

7 no new commandment. Archbishop Alexander (Speaker’s Commentary) points out that the Greek word here used for “new” refers to quality rather than to time. He translates the phrase “no fresh commandment.”

8 the darkness is past. Rather, “the darkness is passing away.”

10. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, etc. Cp. John xi. 9, 10, and note.

11 he that hateth his brother, etc. See iii. 10-18, and notes.

13 little children. Three classes are here addressed—children, fathers, young men. The threefold repetition in ver. 14 makes this quite clear, and does not seem to permit of the very common interpretation that the word “children” means Christians in general, and “fathers” and “young men” two classes of them.

14. I write unto you, etc. See var. read. In vers. 12, 13 the apostle says three times, “I am writing.” Now, also thrice, he says, “I have written,” or “I wrote.” Most of the best critics suppose that the reference is to the Gospel by John.

15 the world. “All this present order of finite and temporal existence without God” (Dr. G. S. Barrett in Devotional Commentary).

16 the lust of the flesh, etc. Sensuality, vanity, and pride are three of the forms in which the spirit of worldliness most frequently manifests itself.

17 the lust thereof. All worldly objects that entice to sin.

18 the last time. Lit., “the last hour.”

as ye have heard that antichrist shall come. Rather, “as ye heard that antichrist (i.e., the rival or opposer of Christ) cometh”; referring probably to what had been said on the subject, partly by our Lord (see Matt. xxiv. 23, 24) and partly by the apostles. The use of the present tense here, “cometh,” shows, as Barrett points out, that “the coming of antichrist is not confined to one advent, though it may culminate thus, but is a series of comings.” One characteristic of an antichrist is given in ver. 22 and iv. 3.

19. They went out from us, etc. These “antichrists” had been in outward fellowship with the Christians; but in heart and principle they never belonged to their number. Their defection was a proof that not all who are outwardly members of the Church are true disciples of Christ.

20 an unction (anointing) from the Holy One. The teaching of the Holy Spirit whom the exalted Saviour bestows, to guide His people “into all truth”: see John xiv. 25, 26; xvi. 12, 13, and notes.

22. Who is a liar, etc.? The false teachers seem to have boasted of their clear views of Jesus and the Father. The apostle says that it is false and anti-Christian to deny either our Lord’s incarnation, or the intimate union of the Father and the Son; for (23) there can be no more faith and love towards the Father without right views of the Son: cp. John xiv. 6.

23 he that acknowledgeth the Son, etc. This second clause, in most copies of the Authorised Version, is printed in italics, as though of doubtful genuineness, but it is now acknowledged as part of the original text, being found in the best manuscripts.

24. Let that therefore abide, etc. Lit., “As for you, let that abide,” etc.

from the beginning. Since the time when you became Christians.

25. And this is the promise, etc. By abiding in Him (see John xv. 4, and note) you will attain “eternal life”: see our Lord’s own words in John v. 21-26; x. 10, 27, 28; xi. 25, 26; xvii. 3.

26 that seduce you. Or, “who are leading you astray.” What I have now said about them is surely sufficient, without any other teaching (27); for you have the “anointing” (see note on ver. 20) of the Holy Spirit.

not be ashamed before Him. “Not shrink from Him with shame.”

29 ye know. As God is the Holy One, and the only source of all holiness, every righteous man has the unspeakable privilege of being a child of God.