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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.
"These things have I written unto you concerning them which seduce you; that ye may know that ye have an unction, and the unction which we have received from Him may abide in you." In the unction we have the sacramental sign of a thing unseen, the virtue itself is invisible; the invisible unction is the Holy Ghost; the invisible unction is that charity, which, in whomsoever it be, shall be as a root to him: however burning the sun, he cannot wither. All that is rooted is nourished by the sun's warmth, not withered.
People want to deceive us in order to teach you some heresy or other. John has written in order to warn us about this.
These things I have written to you about those who deceive you. By deceivers whom he names, not only are heretics to be understood, who seek to turn away from the faith by wicked doctrine, but also those who, by allurements or by adversities of the world, detract the minds of the weak from the promise of eternal life, either by enticing them evilly or by frightening them.
I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you. And you do not need anyone to teach you, but as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, just as it has taught you, remain in him.
"Truly, concerning these things", John adds: "I have written to you about those who deceive you": that is, because of the heresies that have emerged.
Then he again adds what we mentioned before, making it so that his speech is not burdensome to them, "the anointing that you received from him remains in you."
What that is, John already has said, namely that the Holy Spirit speaks. Therefore, since you have the Holy Spirit, you have it firmly within yourselves, you do not need anyone to teach you: but as the anointing or the Spirit itself teaches you about all things, just as it has taught you, abide in Him (verse 28): for it is true, and it is not a lie, that which it has taught you.
"And the anointing that you have received." This is the sequence of the letters: And you, since the anointing which you have received from him remains in you, do not need anyone to teach you.
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SUMMARY
The Apostle John writes to his beloved readers in 1 John 2:26, delivering a crucial warning and a pastoral reassurance. He clarifies that the preceding instructions and theological assertions, particularly concerning the identity of Christ and the danger of false teachers, are specifically aimed at protecting them from those who actively seek to lead them astray from the truth of the gospel. This verse underscores John's deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the community and highlights the ever-present threat of spiritual deception within the church.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse concludes a significant section in 1 John (specifically 1 John 2:18-27) where John directly addresses the emergence of "antichrists" and false teachers within the Christian community. In 1 John 2:18-25, John defines these deceivers as those who deny the true nature of Jesus Christ—both His divine sonship and His historical incarnation. Verse 26 serves as a summary statement, emphasizing the purpose of his preceding counsel: to inoculate his readers against these specific individuals who propagate error. It also sets the stage for the following verse, 1 John 2:27, which reassures believers of the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence as their ultimate teacher and safeguard against deception.
Historical & Cultural Context: The early church, including the communities John addressed, faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, nascent forms of Gnosticism posed a major threat. These movements often posited a dualistic worldview, denying the full humanity of Christ (Docetism) or His full divinity, or separating the "Christ-spirit" from the human Jesus. Such teachings directly undermined the core apostolic message of salvation through the incarnate Son of God. These "seducers" were likely members who had once been part of the community but had departed (1 John 2:19), actively propagating their erroneous doctrines. John's letter provided a vital theological and pastoral bulwark against these errors, equipping believers to stand firm in the truth amidst a challenging spiritual landscape.
Key Themes: The verse strongly contributes to several key themes in 1 John. The most prominent is the Warning Against Deception, as John explicitly states his purpose is to protect his readers from those who would "seduce" them. This highlights the constant need for vigilance and discernment within the Christian faith. Closely related is the Importance of Truth and Sound Doctrine, particularly concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ; John's "these things" refers to the foundational truths he has just articulated about Christ's identity. The epistle also emphasizes Discernment through the Anointing, a theme immediately preceding and following this verse (see 1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27). This divine enablement by the Holy Spirit is presented as the primary means by which believers can recognize and resist error. Finally, John's tone throughout this section, including in this verse, reveals his deep Pastoral Concern for his spiritual children, providing them with necessary instruction and reassurance to stand firm in their faith and "abide in Him" (1 John 2:24).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
John employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is Direct Address, as he explicitly states, "I have written unto you," creating an intimate and personal tone that reinforces his pastoral authority and concern for his readers. There is also a strong element of Warning, as the phrase "concerning them that seduce you" clearly identifies a present danger and the protective intent of his message. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Summary Statement, drawing together the preceding arguments about the antichrist and false teaching, providing a clear purpose for the discussion. The use of "these things" (Greek taûta) also serves as a Referential Pointer, directing the reader back to the specific content John has just presented, reinforcing the importance of his prior theological instruction.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 John 2:26 stands as a timeless reminder of the church's perpetual need for vigilance against spiritual deception. Theologically, it underscores the absolute necessity of holding fast to the revealed truth of God, particularly concerning the person of Jesus Christ, as the ultimate safeguard against error. The "seducers" represent any teaching or influence that deviates from the apostolic witness to Christ's full deity and humanity, which is foundational to salvation. John's emphasis on the written word ("I have written") highlights the importance of authoritative revelation as the standard for truth, while his pastoral concern points to the church's ongoing responsibility to shepherd its members away from harmful doctrines and towards sound teaching. This verse implicitly connects to the broader biblical theme of spiritual warfare, where truth battles against falsehood for the allegiance of human hearts.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John's warning in 1 John 2:26 remains profoundly relevant for believers in every generation. The threat of spiritual deception is constant, manifesting in various forms that seek to distort the truth about Christ, the gospel, or the nature of salvation. To guard against those who would "seduce" us, we must cultivate a deep and discerning relationship with God's truth. This involves diligently immersing ourselves in the Scriptures, allowing the Spirit to illuminate our understanding and shape our worldview according to God's revealed will. It also requires a critical approach to all teaching, testing every message against the unchanging standard of God's Word and the historical, orthodox understanding of Christian doctrine. Our ultimate safeguard lies in abiding deeply in Christ, for it is in Him that all truth resides, and by His Spirit, we are equipped to discern between truth and error, remaining steadfast in our faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "them that seduce you" that John is warning about?
Answer: John is primarily warning about false teachers who had emerged from within the Christian community itself. These individuals were likely proponents of an early form of Gnosticism, which denied the full humanity or divinity of Jesus Christ, or both. They propagated doctrines that contradicted the apostolic teaching about Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, who came in the flesh to take away sins. John refers to them as "antichrists" (1 John 2:18) and emphasizes that they "went out from us, but they were not of us" (1 John 2:19), indicating their departure from true faith and their active role in misleading others.
How does John expect believers to resist this seduction, especially if they are not scholars?
Answer: John's primary answer, especially in the verses immediately following 1 John 2:26, is the "anointing" that believers have received from the Holy One (1 John 2:20 and 1 John 2:27). This refers to the indwelling Holy Spirit, who teaches believers all things and guides them into truth. While knowing the Scriptures is vital (and the Spirit uses the Word), John emphasizes that the Spirit's presence provides an internal discernment that enables even ordinary believers to recognize and reject false teaching. The expectation is not primarily intellectual prowess but spiritual sensitivity and an abiding relationship with Christ, nurtured by the Spirit.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 John 2:26, while a warning against deception, finds its ultimate fulfillment and solution in Jesus Christ. He is the very Truth personified, the one whom all false teaching distorts or denies. The "seducers" seek to lead believers away from Christ, but Christ Himself is the ultimate safeguard. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and knows His own, protecting them from the "stranger's voice" (John 10:1-18). John's emphasis on "these things" being written "concerning them that seduce you" points directly to the foundational truth of Christ's identity – His full deity and humanity – which is the core of the gospel and the antidote to all error. Believers are protected from seduction not merely by intellectual understanding, but by "abiding in Him" (1 John 2:24), for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). The "anointing" that enables discernment, mentioned in the surrounding verses, is the Holy Spirit, who is sent by Christ to guide His followers into all truth, ensuring that they are not "tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). Thus, Christ is not only the subject of the truth that is attacked but also the living source of the power and discernment that enables believers to stand firm against all forms of spiritual deception.