Search for commentaries – I John 2

Tests of true knowledge
In the opening statement of this chapter there is the yearning, affectionate tenderness of a pastor for people whom he has known for a long time. Even in all their wayward foolishness he still loves them. ("My little children”). John says two things about sin. First, he …

God’s people are to love one another
Up to this point John has been talking about “the commandments” in general; but now he focuses on one single commandment and that is that God’s people love one another (vv. 7- 8). Although the Old Testament Law required love for one another (Leviticus 19:18), Christ gave …

Three categories of believers
In our text today, John points out three categories of believers. We see in these categories three stages of spiritual development in our quest for spiritual maturity. The three stages of Christian growth are children, fathers, and young men (vv. 12-14). I do not believe these ca …

Worldliness is a matter of the heart
John gets to the heart of the doctrine of separation in this passage. Worldliness is not so much a matter of activity as it is of attitude. It is possible for a Christian to stay away from questionable places and activities and still love the world because worldliness is a matter …

The opponent of Christ
John is talking about the last days, the time between Christ’s first and second comings. During this time antichrists (false teachers who pretend to be Christians) will appear. Then finally, just before the world ends, one great Antichrist will arise (Rev. 3:19-20; 20:10). We mee …

Jesus and God are one
False teachers in John’s day claimed to have a special anointing from God which gave them special knowledge that others did not have. But John points out that all true Christians know God and have received the Spirit of God (v. 23). Apparently these false teachers in John’s day w …

Twisting the Scriptures
It is interesting to know that cults and false teachers rarely try to lead lost sinners into their group. Instead, they spend most of their time trying to convert professing Christians and church members to their counterfeit doctrines. We have been warned that this would happen: …