1 John 2 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of 1 John 2

The First Epistle of John, also known as 1 John, is believed to have been written by the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. John, as a close companion of the Lord, provides us with a unique perspective on the teachings and life of Jesus. John addresses the importance of walking in the light and avoiding the darkness of sin in this chapter. He reminds the believers of the commandment to love one another, a theme that is central to the teachings of Jesus. John also warns against the influence of false teachers and the need to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel.

Throughout the passage, John draws upon the teachings of Jesus, such as the command to love one another (John 13:34-35) and the importance of abiding in Christ (John 15:4-5). He also emphasizes the need for believers to be vigilant against the deceptions of the world, echoing the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:4-5. We will challenge ourselves to examine our own lives and ensure that we are walking in the light, loving one another, and standing firm in the truth of the gospel as we delve into this chapter. May the wisdom and guidance of the Apostle John inspire us to live as faithful followers of Christ.

1 John 2:1-6

1. “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. John emphasizes his loving and caring attitude towards his audience by addressing them as “my dear children” in this opening section. He states his purpose for writing to them, which is to guide them away from sin. This shows us John’s pastoral heart, desiring the spiritual well-being of the believers. The concept of sin is a central theme in Christianity, with believers striving to live in accordance with God’s will. However, John acknowledges the reality of human frailty by recognizing that believers may still sin. Here, he introduces the powerful concept of Jesus Christ as an advocate with the Father for believers who do sin. The term “advocate” comes from the Greek word “parakletos,” which can also mean a defense attorney or helper. Jesus is portrayed as the one who intercedes on behalf of believers before the Father, pleading their case and providing the righteousness needed for forgiveness.

2. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. John highlights the universal scope of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice in this verse. Jesus’s death on the cross was not just for a select group of individuals but for the entire world. This speaks to the inclusivity of God’s redemption plan, extending His love and salvation to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. This concept is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as John 3:16, where it is mentioned that “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The idea of Jesus being the atoning sacrifice ties back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where animals were offered as a means of atonement for sins. Jesus’s sacrifice, however, is the ultimate and perfect offering, once and for all, that reconciles humanity with God.

3. “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, ‘I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

John shifts the focus to the evidence of genuine knowledge of Christ through obedience to His commands. The Apostle connects the knowledge of Christ with obedience to His commands, emphasizing that true knowledge is inseparable from living out God’s Word. This reinforces the biblical theme of faith being demonstrated through actions and not mere words. John uses strong language here, calling someone who claims to know Christ but does not obey Him a liar. This underscores the importance of a lifestyle that aligns with one’s profession of faith. The phrase “love for God is truly made complete in them” points to the idea that obedience is a manifestation of genuine love for God. It echoes Jesus’ words in John 14:15, where He says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Additionally, John sets the standard for believers by stating that those who claim to abide in Christ should walk as Jesus walked. This challenges believers to emulate Christ’s life of love, humility, and obedience as a model for Christian living. 1 John 2:1-6 contains foundational truths for believers, including the role of Jesus Christ as an advocate and atoning sacrifice, the universal scope of His redemption, and the intimate connection between knowing Christ and obeying His commands. John’s pastoral care and authority shine through these verses as he encourages believers to live a life that reflects their faith in Christ, characterized by obedience, love, and a Christ-like walk.

1 John 2:7-11

1. Breakdown of the verse:

1 John 2:7-11 (NIV):
“Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.”

1. Commentary:

   **a. “Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. The author of 1 John addresses the audience as “dear friends” in these verses and emphasizes that the commandment they are about to hear is not new but has been with them since the beginning. This reflects the foundation of Christian teachings, rooted in the commandments given by God, particularly the command to love one another. This call to love others as oneself is reiterated throughout the Bible, with Jesus summarizing the law in Mark 12:31 as loving your neighbor as yourself.

   b. “Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and in you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining.”

   While the command to love one another is not new, the way it is exemplified in Christ brings a new understanding. Jesus embodied love and demonstrated it in His life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The light of Christ dispels darkness, symbolizing the truth, righteousness, and love that He brings into the world. This duality of light and darkness is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the battle between good and evil. John 1:5 also speaks of Jesus as the light shining in the darkness.

   c. “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness…”

   Here, the importance of one’s actions aligning with their profession of faith is highlighted. Love is not just a feeling but a tangible expression of faith. Hatred or malice towards a fellow believer is incompatible with walking in the light of Christ. This echoes Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 22:37-39.

   d. “But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness…”

   The consequences of harboring hatred or unforgiveness are profound. It not only separates us from God but also blinds us to the way of truth and righteousness. The path of darkness leads to confusion and aimlessness, as highlighted in this verse. The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of hatred and the importance of forgiveness in maintaining relationships (Matthew 18:21-22; Ephesians 4:31-32).

2. Conclusion:

The verses in 1 John 2:7-11 emphasize the fundamental commandment of love that has been ingrained since the beginning. The integration of this old commandment with the new revelation in Christ underscores the transformative power of His light in dispelling darkness and leading believers to walk in love and righteousness. The stark contrast between light and darkness serves as a moral compass for Christian living, stressing the importance of genuine love and forgiveness in maintaining fellowship with God and one another.

1 John 2:12-14

The apostle John addresses different groups within the Christian community in 1 John 2:12-14. The passage can be divided into three sections, each addressing a distinct group. John addresses “little children” in the first section (verse 12). “New believers, those who have recently come to faith in Christ, symbolize ‘little children’ in this context.” John reassures them of the forgiveness of their sins through Christ. This message is crucial, especially for new believers who may be struggling with doubts or guilt over their past sins. John encourages them to continue growing in their faith with confidence and assurance by emphasizing the forgiveness found in Christ.

Moving on to the second section (verse 13), John addresses “fathers.” Here, the term “fathers” represents mature or seasoned believers, those who have deep knowledge and experience in the Christian faith. John commends them for their knowledge of Christ, highlighting their intimate relationship with the Father. This serves as a reminder that spiritual maturity is not just about the length of time one has been a believer but also about the depth of one’s relationship with God.

Lastly, in the third section (verse 14), John addresses “young men.” “Young men” symbolize believers who are in the prime of their spiritual journey, actively engaged in spiritual battles and growth. John recognizes their strength in overcoming the evil one and encourages them to continue standing firm in their faith. This serves as a reminder that spiritual growth involves not only acquiring knowledge but also putting that knowledge into action, particularly in resisting temptation and standing against the forces of darkness.

The overarching message of these verses is that no matter where one is in their faith journey – whether a new believer, a seasoned follower, or someone actively engaged in spiritual battles – there is a place for everyone in the body of Christ. Each group plays a vital role in the community of faith, and each is encouraged to continue in their walk with Christ, growing in faith, knowledge, and strength.

These verses echo the sentiment found in other parts of the Bible, such as 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which speaks about the body of Christ being made up of different members with varying gifts and roles. Just as each part of the body is essential for the body to function properly, each group of believers in 1 John 2:12-14 has a unique role to play in the church and is valuable in the eyes of God.

1 John 2:15-17

1. Breakdown of the verse:
   Here is the breakdown of 1 John 2:15-17:
2. “Do not love the world or anything in the world.” – This command signifies a call to believers to prioritize their love and allegiance to God above worldly desires and possessions.
3. “If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – This verse is a warning that loving the world and its values can be a hinderance to one’s relationship with God. It highlights the conflict between the values of the world and those of God.

4. “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.” – This verse delineates the various aspects of worldly temptations that Christians are warned against, all of which are contrary to the will of God.

5. Believers need to be vigilant about where they place their affections and desires, as these verses from 1 John 2 provide a poignant reminder. The world, in biblical terms, represents the realm of humanity’s fallen nature, with its temptations and distractions that pull us away from God. The call to not love the world does not mean we are to isolate ourselves or disregard our responsibilities on earth. Instead, it is a caution against becoming ensnared by the superficial and transient pleasures that the world offers.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are the three fundamental categories of worldly temptations mentioned in these verses. The lust of the flesh refers to the desires of our physical nature that are contrary to the will of God. The lust of the eyes highlights the coveting of material possessions and the insatiable appetite for more. The pride of life encompasses arrogance, self-centeredness, and pursuit of status and recognition apart from God.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who succumbed to the allure of the world, leading to disastrous consequences. Adam and Eve’s fall in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) is a prime example of yielding to the temptation rooted in the desire for something beyond what God had provided. King Solomon’s pursuit of wealth, wisdom, and pleasure apart from God led to his downfall (1 Kings 11). These narratives serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over a relationship with God.

Conversely, the Bible also presents role models who chose to prioritize God above all else. Jesus, in His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4), resisted the devil’s offers of worldly power and fame, affirming His commitment to God’s will alone. The apostle Paul, who had once been a zealous persecutor of Christians, famously turned away from his former way of life to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, counting all worldly gain as loss for the sake of knowing Jesus (Philippians 3). We, as believers, are called to heed the warning in 1 John 2:15-17 and align our hearts with God’s kingdom values rather than the passing allure of the world. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:24 that we cannot serve both God and mammon (material wealth), emphasizing the need to prioritize our devotion to God above all else. May these verses prompt us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our love for the Father surpasses any love we have for the world and its temporary pleasures.

1 John 2:18-23

The passage in 1 John 2:18-23 discusses the presence of antichrists and those who deny that Jesus is the Christ. This passage acts as a warning to the early Christian community about false teachings and false prophets that were emerging at the time. John is urging the believers to remain faithful to the true message of Christ and to be discerning when it comes to spiritual teachings.

Breaking down the verse, we can see that in verse 18, John mentions that even then, many antichrists were present. The term “antichrist” refers to those who oppose Christ or distort the truth of who He is. These antichrists were not just future threats but were already among the believers, causing confusion and leading people astray. This serves as a reminder that the battle between good and evil, truth and falsehood, has always existed and will continue to exist.

Moving on to verses 19-20, John reassures the believers that despite the presence of these antichrists, they are secure in their faith as long as they remain rooted in the truth of Christ. The reference to being anointed by the Holy One points to the believers’ relationship with God and their safeguarding by the Spirit. This anointing empowers believers to discern the lies of the antichrists and remain steadfast in their faith. It is a reminder that God’s truth will ultimately prevail over falsehood. John emphasizes the importance of holding on to the true message they have received from the beginning as we come to verses 21-23. He contrasts those who deny Jesus as the Christ with those who acknowledge Him. Denying that Jesus is the Christ not only rejects His identity as the Son of God but also severs one’s connection with the Father. Believers are encouraged to remain in fellowship with both the Father and the Son by holding fast to the teachings they have received.

This passage serves as a timely reminder for Christians today as well. We are called to discern the truth of Christ amidst the noise of falsehood in a world full of competing ideologies and beliefs. Just as the early Christians faced challenges from antichrists, we too must be on guard against teachings that deviate from the core message of the gospel. We can withstand the attacks of the adversary and continue to walk in the light of God’s love by anchoring ourselves in the truth of Christ and remaining faithful to His teachings. This passage from 1 John 2 highlights the ongoing spiritual battle between truth and deception, and emphasizes the importance of discerning false teachings. It encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ, holding fast to the truth they have received, and rejecting the lies of the antichrists. We affirm our relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, and stand firm in the face of opposition by doing so.

1 John 2:24-27

1. You should see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father.” (1 John 2:24)
2. “And this is what he promised us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)
3. “I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. The anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.” (1 John 2:27a)

4. “But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27b)

5. John emphasizes the importance of holding steadfast to the teachings received from the beginning in the opening verse of this section. This suggests that the foundational truths of the Christian faith should be maintained and not swayed by false teachings. Believers can continue to abide in the Son and the Father by remaining faithful to these truths.

6. John then reiterates the promise of eternal life that believers have been given. This promise is a central tenet of Christianity, offering hope and assurance of a future beyond this temporal life. It serves as a motivating factor for believers to persevere in their faith despite challenges or temptations that may come their way.
7. The following verse indicates John’s concern for the recipients of his letter who are being misled by false teachings. Throughout the Bible, there are warnings about false prophets and teachings that can lead people away from the truth. John’s exhortation serves as a reminder for believers to be vigilant and discerning when it comes to spiritual influences.
8. John then shifts the focus to the anointing received by believers, which is often interpreted as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This anointing is described as a guide and teacher, enabling believers to discern truth from falsehood. It highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, where believers are empowered to understand spiritual truths through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

9. The final part of this passage emphasizes the authenticity of the Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ lives. It encourages believers to remain in Him, reinforcing the idea of abiding in Christ for spiritual growth and discernment. This call to remain in Christ is a recurring theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of intimacy and communion with God for spiritual fruitfulness.

10. Related verses:

11. 1 John 2:18 warns about the antichrists who were present even at the time of the early church, urging believers to be on guard against false teachings.
12. John 14:26 speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper who will teach and remind believers of everything that Jesus has said, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating spiritual truths.
13. John 15:4-5 uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to emphasize the vital connection believers have with Christ, underscoring the need to abide in Him for spiritual sustenance and growth.

1 John 2:28-29

Verse 28 of 1 John chapter 2 reads, “And now, dear children, remain in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” This verse emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ, of staying connected to Him in faith and obedience until His return. To “remain in Him” means to maintain a close relationship with Jesus, to continually seek His will and follow His teachings. This relationship is crucial for believers to have confidence and not be ashamed when Christ returns. It’s a call to faithfulness and perseverance in the Christian walk.

The concept of remaining in Christ is reiterated throughout the Bible. Jesus describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches in John 15:4-5, emphasizing the abiding relationship needed for spiritual fruitfulness. This intimate connection with Christ leads to a life that reflects His character and love. Believers must constantly abide in Him through prayer, studying the Word, and relying on His strength and guidance in all aspects of life.

Moving on to verse 29, it states, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.” Here, the emphasis is on the righteousness of Christ as a standard for believers. Those who truly know Jesus and understand His righteousness will strive to live in a manner that reflects His character. This verse stresses the transformative power of being “born of Him,” which signifies being born again, a spiritual rebirth resulting from faith in Christ.

The idea of being born again is a central theme in the New Testament. Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:3 that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. This rebirth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit, where a believer experiences a new life and identity in Christ. It is through this spiritual rebirth that believers receive the righteousness of Christ and are empowered to live according to God’s will. Believers are encouraged by 1 John 2:28-29 to remain steadfast in their relationship with Christ, to abide in Him, and to strive for righteousness as evidence of their new birth in Him. It underscores the transformative nature of faith in Christ and the need for believers to reflect His character in their lives. We, as followers of Jesus, are called to live in a way that honors Him, being confident and unashamed as we eagerly anticipate His return.

After 1 John 2

Beloved, in this chapter, we have been reminded of the importance of walking in the light and obeying God’s commandments. We have learned that loving one another is a crucial part of our faith and that we must not conform to the ways of the world. Let us hold fast to the truth of God’s word and continue abiding in Him. As we prepare to delve into the next chapter, let us keep in mind the words of John: “Do not love the world or the things in the world.”” If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. Let us strive to live lives that please God, seeking His will above all else. May we be encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and to walk in the light of His love.