TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 John 2:20–27. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. The apostle encourages the disciples (to whom he writes) in these dangerous times, in this hour of seducers; he encourages them in the assurance of their stability in this day of apostasy: But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. We see, 1. The blessing wherewith they were enriched - an unguent from heaven: You have an unction. True Christians are anointed ones, their name intimates as much. They are anointed with the oil of grace, with gifts and spiritual endowments, by the Spirit of grace. They are anointed into a similitude of their Lord's offices, as subordinate prophets, priests, and kings, unto God. The Holy Spirit is compared to oil, as well as to fire and water; and the communication of his salvific grace is our anointing. 2. From whom this blessing comes - from the Holy One, either from the Holy Ghost or from the Lord Christ, as Rev 3:7, These things saith he that is holy - the Holy One. The Lord Christ is glorious in his holiness. The Lord Christ disposes of the graces of the divine Spirit, and he anoints the disciples to make them like himself, and to secure them in his interest. 3. The effect of this unction - it is a spiritual eye-salve; it enlightens and strengthens the eyes of the understanding: "And thereby you know all things (Jo1 2:20), all these things concerning Christ and his religion; it was promised and given you for that end," Joh 14:26. The Lord Christ does not deal alike by all his professed disciples; some are more anointed than others. There is great danger lest those that are not thus anointed should be so far from being true to Christ that they should, on the contrary, turn antichrists, and prove adversaries to Christ's person, and kingdom, and glory.
II.The apostle indicates to them the mind and meaning with which he wrote to them.
1.By way of negation; not as suspecting their knowledge, or supposing their ignorance in the grand truths of the gospel: "I have not written unto you because you know not the truth, Jo1 2:21. I could not then be so well assured of your stability therein, nor congratulate you on your unction from above." It is good to surmise well concerning our Christian brethren; we ought to do so till evidence overthrows our surmise: a just confidence in religious persons may both encourage and contribute to their fidelity.
2.By way of assertion and acknowledgment, as relying upon their judgment in these things: But because you know it (you know the truth in Jesus), and that no lie is of the truth. Those who know the truth in any respect are thereby prepared to discern what is contrary thereto and inconsistent therewith. Rectum est index sui et obliqui - The line which shows itself to be straight shows also what line is crooked. Truth and falsehood do not well mix and suit together. Those that are well acquainted with Christian truth are thereby well fortified against antichristian error and delusion. No lie belongs to religion, either natural or revealed. The apostles most of all condemned lies, and showed the inconsistency of lies with their doctrine: they would have been the most self-condemned persons had they propagated the truth by lies. It is a commendation of the Christian religion that it so well accords with natural religion, which is the foundation of it, that it so well accords with the Jewish religion, which contained the elements or rudiments of it. No lie is of the truth; frauds and impostures then are very unfit means to support and propagate the truth. I suppose it had been better with the state of religion if they had never been used. The result of them appears in the infidelity of our age; the detection of ancient pious frauds and wiles has almost run our age into atheism and irreligion; but the greatest actors and sufferers for the Christian revelation would assure us that no lie is of the truth.
III.The apostle further impleads and arraigns these seducers who had newly arisen.
1.They are liars, egregious opposers of sacred truth: Who is a liar, or the liar, the notorious liar of the time and age in which we live, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? The great and pernicious lies that the father of lies, or of liars, spreads in the world, were of old, and usually are, falsehoods and errors relating to the person of Christ. There is no truth so sacred and fully attested but some or other will contradict or deny it. That Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God had been attested by heaven, and earth, and hell. It should seem that some, in the tremendous judgment of God, are given up to strong delusions.
2.They are direst enemies to God as well as to the Lord Christ: He is antichrist who denieth the Father and the Son, Jo1 2:22. He that opposes Christ denies the witness and testimony of the Father, and the seal that he hath given to his Son; for him hath God the Father sealed, Joh 6:27. And he that denies the witness and testimony of the Father, concerning Jesus Christ denies that God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and consequently abandons the knowledge of God in Christ, and thereupon the whole revelation of God in Christ, and particularly of God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself; and therefore the apostle may well infer, Whosoever denies the Son the same has not the Father (Jo1 2:23); he has not the true knowledge of the Father, for the Son has most and best revealed him; he has no interest in the Father, in his favour, and grace, and salvation, for none cometh to the Father but by the Son. But, as some copies add, he that acknowledgeth the Son has the Father also, Jo1 2:23. As there is an intimate relation between the Father and the Son, so there is an inviolable union in the doctrine, knowledge, and interests of both; so that he who has the knowledge of, and right to, the Son, has the knowledge of, and right to, the Father also. Those that adhere to the Christian revelation hold the light and benefit of natural religion withal.
IV.Hereupon the apostle advises and persuades the disciples to continue in the old doctrine at first communicated to them:
Let that therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning, Jo1 2:24. Truth is older than error. The truth concerning Christ, that was at first delivered to the saints, is not to be exchanged for novelties. So sure were the apostles of the truth of what they had delivered concerning Christ, and from him, that after all their toils and sufferings they were not willing to relinquish it. The Christian truth may plead antiquity, and be recommended thereby. This exhortation is enforced by these considerations: -
1.From the sacred advantage they will receive by adhering to the primitive truth and faith.
(1.)They will continue thereby in holy union with God and Christ: If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son and in the Father, Jo1 2:24. It is the truth of Christ abiding in us that is the means of severing us from sin and uniting us to the Son of God, Joh 15:3, Joh 15:4. The Son is the medium or the Mediator by whom we are united to the Father. What value then should we put upon gospel truth!
(2.)They will thereby secure the promise of eternal life: And this is the promise that he (even God the Father, Jo1 5:11) hath promised us, even eternal life, Jo1 2:25. Great is the promise that God makes to his faithful adherents. It is suitable to his own greatness, power, and goodness. It is eternal life, which none but God can give. The blessed God puts great value upon his Son, and the truth relating to him, when he is pleased to promise to those who continue in that truth (under the light, and power, and influence of it) eternal life. Then the exhortation aforesaid is enforced,
2.From the design of the apostle's writing to them. This letter is to fortify them against the deceivers of the age: "These things have I written to you concerning those that seduce you (Jo1 2:26), and therefore, if you continue not in what you have heard from the beginning, my writing and service will be in vain." We should beware lest the apostolical letters, yea, lest the whole scripture of God, should be to us insignificant and fruitless. I have written to him the great things of my law (and my gospel too), but they were counted as a strange thing, Hos 8:12.
3.From the instructive blessing they had received from heaven: But the anointing which you have received from him abideth in you, Jo1 2:27. True Christians have an inward confirmation of the divine truth they have imbibed: the Holy Spirit has imprinted it on their minds and hearts. It is meet that the Lord Jesus should have a constant witness in the hearts of his disciples. The unction, the pouring out of the gifts of grace upon sincere disciples, is a seal to the truth and doctrine of Christ, since none giveth that seal but God. Now he who establisheth us with you (and you with us) in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God, Co2 1:21. This sacred chrism, or divine unction, is commended on these accounts: - (1.) It is durable and lasting; oil or unguent is not so soon dried up as water: it abideth in you, Jo1 2:27. Divine illumination, in order to confirmation, must be something continued or constant. Temptations, snares, and seductions, arise. The anointing must abide. (2.) It is better than human instruction: "And you need not that any man teach you, Jo1 2:27. Not that this anointing will teach you without the appointed ministry. It could, if God so pleased; but it will not, though it will teach you better than we can: And you need not that any man teach you, Jo1 2:27. You were instructed by us before you were anointed; but now our teaching is nothing in comparison to that. Who teacheth like him?" Job 36:22. The divine unction does not supersede ministerial teaching, but surmount it. (3.) It is a sure evidence of truth, and all that it teaches is infallible truth: But as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, Jo1 2:27. The Holy Spirit must needs be the Spirit of truth, as he is called, Joh 14:17. The instruction and illumination that he affords must needs be in and of the truth. The Spirit of truth will not lie; and he teacheth all things, that is, all things in the present dispensation, all things necessary to our knowledge of God in Christ, and their glory in the gospel. And, (4.) It is of a conservative influence; it will preserve those in whom it abides against seducers and their seduction: "And even as it hath taught you you shall abide in him, Jo1 2:27. It teaches you to abide in Christ; and, as it teaches you, it secures you; it lays a restraint upon your minds and hearts, that you may not revolt from him. And he that hath anointed us is God, who also hath sealed us for himself, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts." Co2 1:21, Co2 1:22.
Historical interpretation
Eight Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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They therefore who lie deny the Lord, and rob Him, not giving back to Him the deposit which they have received. For they received from Him a spirit free from falsehood. If they give him back this spirit untruthful, they pollute the commandment of the Lord, and become robbers.
Or what castle or house is beautiful and serviceable when it has not been anointed? And what man, when he enters into this life or into the gymnasium, is not anointed with oil? And what work has either ornament or beauty unless it be anointed and burnished? Then the air and all that is under heaven is in a certain sort anointed by light and spirit; and are you unwilling to be anointed with the oil of God? Wherefore we are called Christians on this account, because we are anointed with the oil of God.
"And ye have an unction from the Holy One, that ye may be manifest to your own selves." The spiritual unction is the Holy Spirit Himself, of which the Sacrament is in the visible unction. Of this unction of Christ he saith, that all who have it know the bad and the good; and they need not to be taught, because the unction itself teacheth them.
All have been anointed, not only the prophets and holy men who lived in their days but also and especially all those who later believed in the great and only true anointed one (Christ), our God and Savior, along with those who continue to believe in him. For in the divine washing of regeneration and baptism when we are symbolically anointed with myrrh, we receive his inheritance by the Holy Spirit and his rich gifts, by which we know that we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.
This is what each of us has received at baptism.
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. The spiritual anointing is the Holy Spirit, whose sacrament is in the visible anointing. He says that all who have this anointing of Christ have the ability to discern the good and the evil, and that there is no need for them to be taught those things which the anointing itself teaches. And fittingly, when speaking about the heretics, suddenly turning towards his own listeners, he says that they have the anointing from the Holy One, to show them, by contrast, that the heretics and all Antichrists are deprived of the gift of spiritual grace, and do not pertain to the Lord, who has been accustomed to be called Holy by the prophets, but rather they hold a place among the ministers of Satan, who have nothing of holiness and hold a position of perdition.
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 it might be revealed that they were not all of us. 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.
"They went out from us." However, John adds this, having laid down or started nothing for the explanation of the speech: I say, as if John had asked himself: And where do these “antichrists” (1 Jn. 2:18) come from? Then he would have added, They went out from us. Since it ought to have been done this way, he does not do this, but rather in a confused manner, perhaps showing through the confusion of speech the distress John had concerning them. But why are those who went out from the Lord's disciples called antichrists? So that they could be regarded as trustworthy by those who were being led astray, as if they were from the disciples, and they made their preaching in accordance with the teacher's and instructor's opinion: nor did they have a completely contrary preaching. Therefore, it is said of them, "They went out from us." For when they became disciples, they departed from the truth and found their own blasphemy. It must be understood, however, from where these antichrists came, so that the statement may be clearer.
"but they were not of us." That is, concerning the sort of those who are saved: for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But now it has happened to them that they became revealed, that is, it became known to all that they were completely alienated from us, and joined to those who were not of us. For there are among them some who were never of us, to whom they have joined themselves, who have went out from us. Because of these things, John said, “not all are of us.” For among us, who were domestic and familiar, others followed those who were external to us: choosing rather to live self-indulgently in the manner of the pagans than moderately and honorably with us.
Having said this, lest it seem to him that he alone attributes knowledge of these things and thereby becomes arrogant against the faithful, as if he alone knew them, he adds: "But you have an anointing." As if to say: But why do I tell you these things as if you were ignorant? There is no ignorance of these matters among you. For you have received the sacred anointing through holy baptism, and through this, the divine Spirit, who leads you into all truth. (Jn. 16:19)
Since this is the case, you know that I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you know it. What are these? The last hour, the coming of the Antichrist (1 Jn. 2:18), that all things are full of lies. Therefore, because lies abound, he says: I also say that many antichrists have come. For if Christ is the truth, whom you also know, you have the truth in yourselves, certainly since the liar is contrary to the truth or Christ, he is an antichrist.
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Summary
First John 2:20 offers a profound reassurance to believers amidst the rising tide of false teachings, asserting their unique spiritual endowment and inherent discernment. John emphasizes that genuine followers of Christ possess a divine "unction" or anointing from God, which grants them an intrinsic spiritual understanding of fundamental truths, enabling them to distinguish authentic faith from deceptive heresies and to remain steadfast in their confession of Jesus Christ.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within a critical section of John's first epistle, specifically 1 John 2:18-27, where the apostle directly confronts the burgeoning threat of "antichrists" and deceivers. John has just described these adversaries as those who "went out from us, but they were not of us" (1 John 2:19), indicating their former association with the Christian community before their departure due to heretical doctrines, particularly concerning the person of Jesus Christ. These false teachers denied the full humanity and divinity of Christ, a foundational truth for John. Against this backdrop of spiritual confusion and doctrinal assault, 1 John 2:20 serves as a powerful counter-affirmation, assuring true believers of their internal spiritual security and the divine insight that protects them from such deceptions. It sets the stage for John's subsequent exhortation to "abide in him" (1 John 2:28).
Historical & Cultural Context
The early church, particularly in Asia Minor where John was ministering, faced significant internal challenges from emerging Gnostic or proto-Gnostic ideologies. These groups often taught that salvation came through secret knowledge (gnosis) and denied the true incarnation of Jesus Christ, asserting either that He was not truly human or that His divine spirit only temporarily inhabited a human body. Such teachings undermined the core of the Gospel—the atoning work of God in human flesh. The cultural landscape was also marked by a diverse array of philosophical and religious systems, making it difficult for new converts to discern truth from error. John's emphasis on an internal "unction" was crucial in a context where external authorities or elaborate philosophical arguments might have swayed believers. It underscored the direct, personal spiritual empowerment given by God to His people, enabling them to stand firm against the sophisticated deceptions of the day.
Key Themes
1 John 2:20 contributes significantly to several major themes in the epistle. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Anointing, portraying the Holy Spirit's indwelling as a direct spiritual endowment from God. This "unction" is the source of the believer's spiritual understanding and protection against error, directly linking to the idea that the Spirit "teaches you all things" (1 John 2:27). Secondly, Spiritual Discernment is a paramount theme; the declaration "ye know all things" points not to omniscience, but to a Spirit-given capacity to discern truth from falsehood, especially concerning the essential doctrines of Christ's person and work. This discernment is vital for identifying and resisting the "spirit of antichrist" (1 John 4:3). Thirdly, the verse offers profound Assurance for Believers, comforting John's audience that despite the presence of deceivers, they possess an internal, divine guide—the Holy Spirit—who enables them to recognize and adhere to the truth, thereby confirming their genuine faith. This assurance is foundational to John's purpose of writing, which is that believers "may know that ye have eternal life" (1 John 5:13). Finally, it implicitly underscores the eternal Truth vs. Error conflict, emphasizing that believers are divinely equipped to stand firm in the revealed truth of God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word refers to "an unguent or smearing, i.e. (figuratively) the special endowment ('chrism') of the Holy Spirit." In this context, it signifies a divine anointing, a spiritual consecration and equipping that empowers believers. This term is closely related to "Christos" (Christ), meaning "Anointed One," underscoring the spiritual connection believers have to Christ through this anointing. It is widely understood to refer to the indwelling Holy Spirit, who imparts spiritual understanding and discernment.
This term means "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint." In this passage, "the Holy One" refers to God Himself, specifically Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source and dispenser of this spiritual anointing. It emphasizes the divine origin, purity, and authority of the gift bestowed upon believers.
A primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." In the perfect tense, as used here, it denotes a settled, intuitive, and comprehensive knowledge. Coupled with "all things," it implies a spiritual understanding of essential truths, particularly those concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, which are necessary for salvation and for discerning genuine faith from heresy. This is not universal knowledge, but a spiritual intuition and discernment given by the Holy Spirit.
Meaning "all, any, every, the whole." When combined with "know" (eídō), it indicates a comprehensive understanding of the necessary spiritual truths, particularly those pertaining to the identity of Christ and the nature of salvation. It refers to the full scope of revealed truth essential for Christian faith and life, enabling believers to recognize and reject false doctrines.
Verse Breakdown
"But ye have an unction from the Holy One"
This clause introduces a stark contrast ("But") to the false teachers previously mentioned. It declares that genuine believers possess a unique spiritual endowment—an "unction" or anointing. This anointing is not self-generated but originates "from the Holy One," referring to God, specifically Jesus Christ, who dispenses the Holy Spirit. This signifies a divine impartation, a spiritual consecration that sets believers apart and equips them for spiritual life and understanding. It implies a direct, personal relationship with God through the Spirit.
"and ye know all things"
This second clause describes the immediate effect and benefit of this divine anointing. The phrase "ye know all things" does not imply omniscience in a universal sense, but rather a comprehensive spiritual knowledge and discernment concerning the essential truths of the Christian faith, particularly those related to the person of Jesus Christ. Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers possess an innate capacity to recognize and affirm divine truth and, conversely, to identify and reject spiritual error, especially concerning the core doctrines being attacked by the antichrists. This knowledge is a spiritual intuition that protects them from deception.
Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices in 1 John 2:20 to convey his message with power and clarity. Firstly, there is a clear Contrast established by the opening "But," which sharply distinguishes the true believers from the false teachers and antichrists discussed in the preceding verses. This rhetorical move highlights the unique spiritual advantage of the faithful. Secondly, Metaphor is central with the use of "unction" (χρῖσμα, chrîsma), which functions as a powerful Symbolism for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Just as oil was used for consecration and healing in ancient times, this spiritual "unction" symbolizes divine consecration, equipping, and spiritual healing from the blindness of error. This metaphor underscores the active, indwelling presence of God's Spirit in believers. Finally, the statement "ye know all things" serves as a form of Hyperbole or perhaps Synecdoche, where "all things" refers to all essential spiritual truths necessary for salvation and discernment, rather than universal knowledge. This emphatic declaration provides strong Assurance to the audience, reinforcing their confidence in their Spirit-given ability to discern truth and stand firm against deception.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The concept of the "unction from the Holy One" in 1 John 2:20 is deeply rooted in Old Testament imagery of anointing for kings, priests, and prophets, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. In the New Testament, this imagery is fully realized in the person of Jesus, the "Christ" or "Anointed One," and extended to all believers through the indwelling Holy Spirit. This anointing grants believers an internal spiritual compass, enabling them to discern truth from error, especially concerning the fundamental identity of Jesus Christ. It underscores the Spirit's role as the divine teacher and guide, ensuring that genuine believers are not left vulnerable to the deceptions of false teachers. This theological truth provides immense assurance, affirming that God Himself equips His children with the necessary spiritual insight to navigate a world filled with competing claims and to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.
Reflection and Application
1 John 2:20 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers in every age. In a world saturated with information, misinformation, and diverse spiritual claims, the assurance that we possess an "unction from the Holy One" is invaluable. It reminds us that we are not left to our own intellectual devices to navigate the complexities of spiritual truth. The indwelling Holy Spirit serves as our ultimate teacher and guide, illuminating God's Word and granting us the spiritual discernment needed to test all things and hold fast to what is good. This does not negate the need for diligent study of Scripture or engagement with sound theological teaching; rather, it means that the Spirit works in and through these means, opening our eyes to truth and guarding us from error. Our reliance on this divine anointing should foster confidence, humility, and a deep sense of security in our faith, knowing that God Himself empowers us to recognize and stand firm in the truth of Jesus Christ, even when surrounded by spiritual deception.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "ye know all things" mean believers are omniscient?
No, the phrase "ye know all things" in 1 John 2:20 does not imply that believers possess universal knowledge or omniscience. Instead, it refers to a comprehensive spiritual understanding of the essential truths of the Christian faith, particularly those concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the context of John's epistle, where false teachers were denying core doctrines, this "knowledge of all things" signifies the Spirit-given ability to discern truth from error regarding fundamental Christian beliefs. It's a spiritual intuition and discernment that protects believers from heresy, allowing them to recognize and affirm the true Gospel.
What is the "unction from the Holy One"?
The "unction from the Holy One" (Greek: chrîsma) refers to the anointing of the Holy Spirit that every true believer receives upon conversion. This is a divine endowment, a spiritual consecration and equipping from God, specifically from Jesus Christ, who is "the Holy One." This anointing signifies the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who serves as the believer's divine teacher, guide, and seal. It is this anointing that enables believers to understand spiritual truths, to discern between genuine and false teachings, and to remain steadfast in their faith, as further explained in 1 John 2:27.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 John 2:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, the true "Anointed One" (Christos). Just as Old Testament kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil to signify their divine appointment and empowerment, Jesus Himself was uniquely anointed by God with the Holy Spirit for His messianic mission (Acts 10:38). He is "the Holy One of God" (John 6:69) from whom all spiritual blessings flow. The "unction" that believers receive is a participation in Christ's own anointing, a sharing in His Spirit. Through His death, resurrection, and ascension, Christ poured out His Spirit on His followers (Acts 2:33), thereby empowering them with the same divine discernment and knowledge that enables them to recognize Him as Lord and to distinguish His truth from all falsehood. This anointing is a tangible expression of our union with Christ, ensuring that as His body, we are equipped to uphold and proclaim the truth of who He is, standing firm against any spirit that denies Him (1 John 4:2-3). It is through Christ that we receive this precious gift, which secures our spiritual understanding and confirms our identity as His own.