(1) Context
In the last paragraph, John talked about the exclusive relationship between the world and God. Here, John talked about antichrists-who are not belong to the church.
(NET) v.19 All of them do not belong to us. The opponents chose to depart rather than remain in fellowship with the community to which the author writes and with which he associates himself. This demonstrates conclusively to the author that they never really belonged to that community at all (in spite of what they were claiming)... if they had been genuine believers, they would have remained in fellowship. Now they have gone out into the world, where they belong (compare 1 John 4:5).\
(2) Content
What did the antichrists do?
Repeated words: know v.20, know the truth v.21, liar who denies that Jesus is the Christ v.22, denies the Father and the Son v.22, 23, what you have heard from the beginning must remain v.24, those who are trying to deceive you v.26.
The readers know the truth because they have the Holy Spirit v.20. Second, the truth was given to them by John. However, the antichrists lie to them that Jesus is not Christ/Messiah/Savior King. They only accepted the Father and not the Son.
What did John want the readers to do with the antichrists?
2:27 Now as for you, the anointing that you received from him resides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, it is true and is not a lie. Just as it has taught you, you reside in him.
In other words, John wanted the readers not to receive the teaching from the antichrist.
(2) Note, the truth should be known by the Christians through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit since we believed. It is also taught by the Bible/apostle. In other words, truth is not just book knowledge. Our heart should resonate when we hear the Bible because the Holy Spirit has also put them in our hearts.
(BKC) v.20 ‘anointing’ used in this verse to describe the anointing that the readers have from the Holy One is best interpreted as a reference to the Holy Spirit with whom they had been endowed by God (when they first believed), and who confirms to them the truth of the message that they heard at that time
(3) Reflection: True believers should be pretty secure because the truth is both intellectual and spiritual. We know the truth as a knowledge and we also have the confirmation of the truth by the Holy Spirit in our hearts.
We thank God that He wants us to know the truth and thus He used these 2 ways to help us. We are not alone to live a life that is pleasing to God. He is our Help!
Audrey
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