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Commentary on 1 John 2 verses 20–27
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.
"Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall abide in you, ye also shall abide in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that He hath promised us." For haply thou mightest ask about the wages, and say, Behold, "that which I have heard from the beginning I keep safe in me, I comply therewith; perils, labors, temptations, for the sake of this continuance, I bear up against them all: with what fruit? what wages? what will He hereafter give me, since in this world I see that I labor among temptations? I see not here that there is any rest: mere mortality weigheth down the soul, and the corruptible body presseth it down to lower things: but I bear all things, that "that which I have heard from the beginning" may "remain" in me; and that I may say to my God, "Because of the words of Thy lips have I kept hard ways." Unto what wages then? Hear, and faint not. If thou wast fainting in the labors, upon the promised wages be strong. Where is the man that shall work in a vineyard, and shall let slip out of his heart the reward he is to receive? Suppose him to have forgotten, his hands fail. The remembrance of the promised wages makes him persevering in the work: and yet he that promised it is a man who can deceive thine expectation. How much more strong oughtest thou to be in God's field, when He that promised is the Truth, Who can neither have any successor, nor die, nor deceive him to whom the promise was made!
Rejecting ungodliness, John goes on to teach the doctrine of godliness and to encourage his listeners to accept it, saying that by it they will have fellowship with both the Father and the Son, as well as the promise of eternal life.
That which you have heard from the beginning, let it remain in you, etc. He says, follow with all your heart that faith, those doctrines which you have received from the voice of the apostles from the earliest times of the nascent Church. For these alone are what make you partakers of divine grace. And if anyone says to you, "Behold, here is Christ, behold, there he is," do not believe it. For false prophets will arise, as the Lord foretold (Mark XIII). And you, he says, will remain in the Son and in the Father. He places the Son first, because as the Son himself says: "No one comes to the Father except through the Son" (John XIV); no one will see the glory of divine exaltation except he who is reborn through the sacraments of the humanity which the Son assumed. Or surely he named the Son first and then the Father for the reason that the Arians may not say that the Son should be believed to be lesser than the Father because he has never found to be named before the Father.
Who is the liar, except for the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either. Therefore, let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he himself made to us, eternal life.
Here too, we must hear the conjunction καὶ, that is, "and", for the sake of clearer understanding, so that the sense is this: And who is the liar, except for the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? But the wicked Simon was raving, claiming that there was one Jesus and another Christ: the Jesus who was born of the holy Mary; but the Christ who descended from heaven into the Jordan. Therefore, he who applauds this lie, John says, is the Antichrist. This, however: This is the Antichrist, must be understood in two ways, both regarding the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ, and regarding the one who denies the Father and the Son. For he, John says, who denies the Father and the Son, is also a liar and an antichrist.
For some heretics, from whom the impure Valentinus arose, claimed that there is another unnamed Father besides him who is called the Father of Christ. They also deny the Son, because they say he is merely a unveiled man and not God by nature, as if he were from God. "Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father," just as the Jews, while denying the Son, pretend to know the Father and claim this for themselves. But let them know that they have not known the Father either; for if they had known, they would have known that He is also the Father of the Only Begotten Son. The same nonsense was also uttered by those who followed Simon. Therefore, John says this: but you, let what you have heard from the beginning, namely the divine teaching about Christ, remain in you. The name means, "Let it remain in you."
"For if what you heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in the Son and in the Father." This is, you will be his partners.
"And this is the promise." For the conjunction και, that is, "and", must be taken causally for "indeed". But what is the promise? It is that which the Lord says to the Father: "That as I am in you and you are in me, so they may be one in us." (Jn. 17:21) And again: "That they may have eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (Jn. 17:3)
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SUMMARY
First John 2:24 serves as a vital exhortation for believers to steadfastly retain and allow the foundational apostolic teaching concerning Jesus Christ to deeply dwell within them. This verse emphasizes that continued adherence to the original gospel message, received from the very outset of their faith, is the indispensable condition for maintaining an authentic and enduring fellowship with both God the Son and God the Father, thereby safeguarding against the deceptive doctrines of false teachers.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse appears in a section of John's first epistle where he is actively combating emerging proto-Gnostic heresies that denied the true incarnation of Jesus Christ. Immediately preceding 1 John 2:24, John has issued stern warnings about "antichrists" who have departed from the community, demonstrating they were never truly part of it (1 John 2:19). These deceivers denied both the Father and the Son (1 John 2:22), underscoring the critical importance of holding fast to the revealed truth of Christ's person. Verse 24, therefore, functions as a direct counter-exhortation, urging believers to remain grounded in the authentic truth they initially received, contrasting their steadfastness with the apostasy of the false teachers.
Historical & Cultural Context: The late first century, when 1 John was likely written, was a period of significant theological ferment within the early Christian communities. Various philosophical and religious ideas, including nascent forms of Gnosticism, began to infiltrate Christian thought. These movements often posited that matter was inherently evil, leading to a denial of Jesus' true humanity or the belief that His divine spirit merely inhabited a human body temporarily. Such teachings directly contradicted the apostolic witness to Christ's full incarnation and atoning work. John's letter, including this verse, reflects a pastoral concern for the spiritual purity and stability of his flock, providing a clear theological boundary against these destructive errors and emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the original, eyewitness testimony of the apostles.
Key Themes: 1 John 2:24 powerfully articulates several core themes central to John's theology in this epistle. Firstly, it highlights the primacy of foundational truth, emphasizing "that which ye have heard from the beginning." This refers to the original apostolic proclamation of the gospel, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, as articulated in passages like 1 John 1:1-3. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of spiritual perseverance and abiding. The repeated use of "abide" and "remain" (Greek: meno) signifies a continuous, active dwelling of truth within the believer, not merely a fleeting intellectual assent. This concept is deeply rooted in Jesus' own teachings about abiding in Him and His words, as seen in John 15:4-7. Finally, the verse promises genuine fellowship with God, asserting that those who allow the truth to remain in them "shall continue in the Son, and in the Father." This secure, relational union with the Godhead is presented as the ultimate fruit of steadfastness, distinguishing true believers from those who deny Christ and thus lack access to the Father (1 John 2:23).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
This word is central to the verse, appearing three times in various forms ("abide," "remain," "continue"). It signifies not just a temporary presence but a deep, settled, and continuous dwelling. In the context of the Christian faith, it implies a steadfast commitment and an enduring relationship with the truth and, by extension, with God Himself. It's a call to spiritual constancy and perseverance in the face of external pressures and internal doubts.
The verb "heard" points to the initial reception of the gospel message. It implies an active listening and understanding of the apostolic teaching. The emphasis is on the authoritative source of this message—that which was proclaimed by those who had direct experience of Christ. This "hearing" is not passive but foundational, forming the basis of their faith and spiritual life.
The phrase "from the beginning" is crucial, referring to the inception of their Christian faith, specifically the initial proclamation of the gospel by the apostles. It signifies the foundational, original, and unchanging truths about Jesus Christ that were delivered at the very start of their spiritual journey. This "beginning" serves as the standard against which all subsequent teachings must be measured, contrasting with the novel and false doctrines emerging at the time.
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
John employs several significant literary devices in 1 John 2:24 to underscore his message. The most prominent is repetition, specifically the phrase "that which ye have heard from the beginning" and the verb "abide/remain/continue" (Greek: meno). This anaphora (repetition at the beginning of clauses) and epizeuxis (repetition of a word or phrase for emphasis) serves to deeply impress upon the reader the critical importance of both the content of the truth (the original gospel) and the manner of its reception (its enduring presence within them). The verse also functions as a conditional statement ("If... then..."), clearly outlining the cause-and-effect relationship between persevering in the foundational truth and maintaining genuine fellowship with God. This logical structure provides clarity and urgency to John's exhortation. Furthermore, there is an implied contrast between the steadfastness of true believers and the apostasy of the "antichrists" mentioned earlier in the chapter, highlighting the divergent paths resulting from adherence to or departure from the truth. The concept of truth "abiding" within is also a subtle metaphor, portraying truth not as an external concept but as an internal, living presence that shapes and sustains the believer's spiritual life.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 2:24 profoundly connects the believer's steadfastness in foundational truth to their very relationship with God. It asserts that true fellowship with the Father and the Son is contingent upon an enduring embrace of the original apostolic message concerning Jesus Christ. This isn't merely intellectual assent but a deep, transformative indwelling of truth that shapes one's identity and communion with the divine. In an era of emerging heresies, John emphasizes that the "beginning" – the initial, authoritative revelation of the gospel – serves as the unshakeable standard against which all other teachings must be measured. To depart from this foundational truth is to sever one's connection to the Father and the Son, whereas to abide in it ensures a continuous, secure, and intimate relationship within the Godhead. This verse underscores the inseparable link between sound doctrine and genuine spiritual life.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 John 2:24 offers a timeless and urgent call for believers in every generation to anchor their faith firmly in the unchanging truths of the gospel. In a world characterized by shifting ideologies, spiritual pluralism, and an abundance of information, both true and false, this verse reminds us that spiritual stability and genuine communion with God are directly tied to our commitment to the foundational message of Christ. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial hearing of the Word to a deep, transformative indwelling, where the truth shapes our worldview, informs our decisions, and guards our hearts. This requires diligent engagement with Scripture, discerning evaluation of teachings, and a humble posture of learning from the historical faith. Ultimately, abiding in the truth fosters a profound and secure relationship with the Father and the Son, which is the very essence of eternal life and the antidote to spiritual deception.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "that which ye have heard from the beginning" refer to?
Answer: "That which ye have heard from the beginning" refers to the original, foundational apostolic teaching concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ. This includes the eyewitness testimony of His incarnation (that He came in the flesh), His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, and the core message of salvation through Him. It is the unadulterated gospel as it was first proclaimed by those who had direct experience with Christ, as emphasized in 1 John 1:1-3 and contrasted with the false teachings emerging at the time.
Why is "abiding" or "remaining" in the truth so important?
Answer: The repeated emphasis on "abiding" or "remaining" (Greek: meno) signifies the necessity of spiritual perseverance and continuous commitment. It's not enough to have heard the truth once; it must dwell deeply and consistently within the believer. This active indwelling ensures spiritual stability, guards against deception, and is presented as the condition for maintaining genuine, unbroken fellowship with God the Father and God the Son. As Jesus Himself taught in John 15:4, abiding in Him and His words is essential for bearing spiritual fruit and experiencing true life.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 John 2:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the embodiment of "that which ye have heard from the beginning." He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14), the very truth revealed by God (John 14:6). To "abide" in the truth is, therefore, to abide in Christ Himself and in His words. Jesus repeatedly called His disciples to this intimate, continuous union, promising that if they "abide in My word, you are truly My disciples" and "you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:31-32). Our ability to "continue in the Son, and in the Father" is entirely dependent on Christ, who is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Through Him, we have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18), and it is His Spirit who enables us to understand and remain in the truth He revealed (John 16:13). Thus, the call to abide in the beginning truth is a call to steadfastly cling to Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the source and sum of all saving revelation.