1 John 2:18

¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Little children {G3813}, it is {G2076} the last {G2078} time {G5610}: and {G2532} as {G2531} ye have heard {G191} that {G3754} antichrist {G500} shall come {G2064}, even {G2532} now {G3568} are there {G1096} many {G4183} antichrists {G500}; whereby {G3606} we know {G1097} that {G3754} it is {G2076} the last {G2078} time {G5610}.

Children, this is the Last Hour. You have heard that an Anti-Messiah is coming; and in fact, many anti-Messiahs have arisen now — which is how we know that this is the Last Hour.

Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour.

Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.

Commentary

1 John 2:18 (KJV)

¶ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Commentary

This verse addresses believers directly, using the tender term "little children," a characteristic of John's writing, signifying spiritual fatherhood and affection.

Historical and Cultural Context

John is writing to Christians likely in the region of Ephesus towards the end of the first century AD. The early church was already facing internal challenges from false teachers who denied core truths about Christ. The concept of "the last time" or "last days" was understood in early Christianity as the era inaugurated by Christ's first coming and culminating in his second coming. It is a time marked by increased spiritual conflict and apostasy.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The "Last Time": John declares that the present era is "the last time." This does not necessarily mean the world is about to end immediately, but rather that the final spiritual age has begun with Christ. It is a time of urgency and spiritual warfare.
  • The Coming Antichrist: Believers had "heard that antichrist shall come." This refers to a significant, prominent figure who will oppose Christ.
  • Many Antichrists: John reveals that the spirit of antichrist is already at work through "many antichrists." These are individuals or groups who deny Christ's true nature (especially his incarnation, as seen later in 1 John 4:2-3) or promote teachings contrary to the gospel. Their very presence is proof that the "last time" is here.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "antichrist" is antichristos (ἀντίχριστος). It can mean "against Christ" or "instead of Christ." The presence of both the singular "antichrist" (referring to a specific future figure) and the plural "antichrists" (referring to those who embody that spirit of opposition in the present) is significant.

Cross-References

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that the spirit of antichrist is not just a future threat but is actively present in the world today, manifesting in various forms of opposition to Christ and His truth. Believers must be discerning, testing teachings and spirits (1 John 4:1) and holding fast to the truth of who Jesus is.

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Cross-References

  • 1 John 4:3 (28 votes)

    And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that [spirit] of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

  • 2 John 1:7 (24 votes)

    ¶ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

  • 1 John 2:22 (20 votes)

    Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

  • Matthew 24:24 (20 votes)

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

  • Matthew 24:5 (13 votes)

    For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1 (9 votes)

    ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 1 Timothy 4:3 (9 votes)

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.