1 John 2:18
Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse doesn't just warn about a future "antichrist," it points out that many have already appeared, showing the reality of spiritual warfare right now. John's point is that the presence of these opposing voices is the sign of the end times, not some distant event. It's a call to recognize that the battle for truth is happening in their present moment.
John is addressing a community deeply impacted by false teachers who deny that Jesus is the Christ and that He came in the flesh. These "antichrists" are actively trying to lead believers astray, making John urge his readers to recognize the spiritual battle they're in and to discern truth from error. He emphasizes that the very presence of these deceivers is a sign of the end times, urging his spiritual children to remain firm in their faith.
John opens with a startling declaration: 'It is the last hour.' This isn't just about a future event, but a present spiritual battleground. What does it mean for us, right now?
John uses the phrase 'last hour' not to pinpoint a precise date, but to describe the current spiritual era. He's telling believers that the age they are living in is characterized by the intensifying conflict between God and evil, a conflict that began with Jesus' coming and will culminate in his return.
The Already and Not Yet
This 'last hour' is a period of intense spiritual significance. It's the 'already and not yet' time in salvation history. Jesus has come, his victory is secured, but the full realization of God's kingdom is still future. This means we live with the tension of Christ's completed work and the ongoing spiritual warfare.
Antichrist Manifested
The sign John points to is the appearance of 'many antichrists.' This shows that the spirit of opposition to Christ isn't a future entity alone, but a present force actively working to deceive and divide God's people.
John doesn't just mention 'the antichrist' in the singular, but 'many antichrists.' This isn't just a figurehead; it's a pervasive spirit of opposition to Christ. How do we spot its work today?
The term 'antichrist' literally means 'against Christ' or 'in place of Christ.' John clarifies that this isn't merely about one future individual, but about a spirit and movement actively opposing Christ's truth and authority.
The Deceptive Spirit
These 'many antichrists' are those who were once part of the community but have now separated from them, according to the broader context of 1 John. Their defining characteristic is that they deny Jesus as the Christ, or they deny his humanity and divine nature, especially as revealed in his coming in the flesh.
Recognizing False Teachings
Their influence often manifests through deceptive teachings that subtly undermine the core of the Christian faith. They might twist Scripture, deny Jesus' deity or his atoning work, or promote a different gospel. The key is that their message ultimately leads away from true belief in Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
Understand the original words
antichristos · Greek Noun
One who stands against or opposes Christ; in a prophetic sense, it refers to a specific figure of final rebellion, or those who deny the deity or messiahship of Jesus.
The 'last hour' isn't just about the end of the world; for John, it's a present reality characterized by spiritual conflict and the need to discern truth from falsehood.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion of Jesus
The central event of Christian faith, marking the beginning of the 'last days' in Christian eschatology.
c. AD 40-50
Spread of the Gospel
The apostolic mission expands rapidly, encountering diverse cultures and challenging established beliefs, leading to internal debates.
c. AD 50-60
Early Christian Letters Circulate
Epistles like those attributed to Paul begin to be written and shared, addressing church issues and theological development.
c. AD 80-90
Gospel of John Written
The Gospel of John is likely written, providing a theological framework for understanding Jesus and his relationship to God.
c. AD 90-100— this verse
This passage echoes the warning about false christs and false prophets arising, highlighting the deceptive spiritual landscape John warns about in the 'last hour'.
2 Thessalonians 2:7This verse speaks to a 'mystery of lawlessness' already at work, which directly relates to the presence of 'many antichrists' John identifies as a sign of the end times.
1 John 4:1-3John directly addresses how to discern spirits, providing the practical test of whether Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, which is the very litmus test for identifying those who are against Christ.
1 John 2:22-23This immediately following passage clarifies who the antichrist spirit is by defining those who deny the Father and the Son, directly expanding on the nature of the 'antichrists' John mentions.
The verse doesn't just warn about a future "antichrist," it points out that many have already appeared, showing the reality of spiritual warfare right now. John's point is that the presence of these opposing voices is the sign of the end times, not some distant event. It's a call to recognize that the battle for truth is happening in their present moment.
John is addressing a community deeply impacted by false teachers who deny that Jesus is the Christ and that He came in the flesh. These "antichrists" are actively trying to lead believers astray, making John urge his readers to recognize the spiritual battle they're in and to discern truth from error. He emphasizes that the very presence of these deceivers is a sign of the end times, urging his spiritual children to remain firm in their faith.
John is addressing a community deeply impacted by false teachers who deny that Jesus is the Christ and that He came in the flesh. These "antichrists" are actively trying to lead believers astray, making John urge his readers to recognize the spiritual battle they're in and to discern truth from error. He emphasizes that the very presence of these deceivers is a sign of the end times, urging his spiritual children to remain firm in their faith.
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In a time of spiritual confusion and deception, John offers a firm basis for confidence. How can we know 'that it is the last hour' with certainty?
John concludes verse 18 with a statement of assurance: 'Therefore we know that it is the last hour.' This 'knowing' isn't based on anxious speculation or guesswork. It's a confident certainty derived from observable spiritual realities.
Truth vs. Deception
The presence and activity of these 'many antichrists' serve as a clear sign. When there's a noticeable departure from foundational apostolic truth about Jesus, when teachings emerge that deny his essential nature or work, believers can be confident that they are living in the intensified spiritual battle of the last days.
Rooted in Apostolic Teaching
This assurance is also tied to the foundation of truth the apostles themselves proclaimed. John, as an apostle, is pointing to a reality he has witnessed and taught. The early church's awareness of these signs, rooted in Jesus' own teachings and the apostles' ministry, provided them with discernment and steadfastness.
1 John Written
In the context of emerging Gnostic ideas and secessionist movements within churches, John writes his letters to affirm true doctrine and fellowship.
"Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour." — The verse doesn't just warn about a future "antichrist," it points out that many have already appeared, showing the reality of spiritual warfare right now. John's point is that the presence of th…
