1 John 2:26-27
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The phrase "these things" isn't just about general warnings; John is specifically referencing everything he's just written, from discerning truth to living righteously, as the very tools to combat the deceivers. It highlights that the antidote to deception isn't some secret knowledge, but a deep immersion in the truth John has already shared.
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is addressing a community grappling with false teachers who are trying to lead believers astray by denying the truth about Jesus. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and those who deny Jesus is the Christ, and he's reassuring them that the Holy Spirit helps them discern truth. This specific verse sets up John's extended exhortation about remaining in fellowship with God and with one another, which is the ultimate defense against deception.
John isn't just sharing theological tidbits; he's sounding an alarm! He's writing to combat a specific, dangerous threat to his spiritual children.
A Word of Protection
John's opening words in this verse aren't casual; they're direct. He states, "I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you." This tells us that the letter of 1 John isn't just an abstract theological treatise. It's a practical, urgent message aimed at protecting the church from dangerous ideas and individuals.
The Nature of Deception
The Greek word for "deceive" here implies leading astray, misleading, or causing to err. It suggests a deliberate attempt to twist truth and lead people away from God. John saw these deceivers as a real and present danger, a threat that needed to be addressed head-on.
If deception is the threat, what's the defense? John points us to the ultimate source of security and truth.
The Authority of the Apostles
John, as an apostle who walked with Jesus, carries significant authority. When he writes, he's not offering personal opinions but sharing divine truth that he received directly from Christ. The "things" he writes are the very teachings of Jesus and the foundational truths of the Gospel.
Recognizing True Doctrine
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By writing these things, John equips his readers. He's giving them the discernment to recognize truth and reject falsehood. The antidote to deception isn't human cleverness, but a firm grasp of God's revealed word and the solid, unchanging gospel message. Those who are truly of God will recognize and cling to the truth, while the deceptive influences will be exposed.
Understand the original words
planōntōn · Greek Verb (Participle)
Refers to the act of leading someone away from the truth into error, often through false teaching or deceptive practices. In the New Testament, it is frequently associated with the activity of antichrists or false prophets who attempt to draw believers away from the apostolic gospel.
chrisma · Greek Noun
In the New Testament, this refers to the Holy Spirit given to believers by God. It signifies a divine endowment, setting a person apart for God’s service and providing the internal guidance and illumination necessary to understand the truth of God.
menei · Greek Verb
A Greek term signifying to remain, dwell, or continue. In John’s writings, it denotes a permanent, vital, and personal relational connection between the believer and Christ, maintained through faith and obedience.
alētheia · Greek Noun
Refers to the objective reality of God’s revelation and the gospel. In biblical theology, truth is not merely factual correctness but is intrinsically linked to the character of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, standing in absolute opposition to the 'lie' of the enemy.
This verse was written during a time when the early church was solidifying its beliefs, and John was contending with deceptive teachings that threatened the core of the Christian faith he helped establish.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem, marking a pivotal moment in early Christian history and the foundation of the faith.
c. 40-50 AD
Early Church Growth and Persecution
The Christian movement expands rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, leading to increasing tension and sporadic persecution from both Jewish authorities and Roman officials.
c. 60s AD
Writing of Pauline Epistles
Apostle Paul writes many of his letters, addressing doctrinal and practical issues within the burgeoning churches, including warnings against false teachings.
c. 70 AD
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Roman Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, a cataclysmic event for Judaism and a sign for many Christians that the end times were near.
c. 90-100 AD— this verse
John's Ministry in Ephesus
The Apostle John, likely the author of this letter, is ministering in Ephesus, a major center in Asia Minor, facing challenges from Gnostic and other early heterodox groups.
c. 95 AD
Compilation of Johannine Literature
John writes his Gospel, epistles, and Revelation during a period of intense theological development and internal church struggles, emphasizing Jesus' divinity and humanity.
This passage warns about false apostles who disguise themselves as servants of Christ, directly echoing John's concern about deceivers.
Matthew 24:4-5Jesus Himself predicted that many would come in His name, claiming to be the Christ, highlighting the enduring reality of deception that John addresses.
Acts 20:30Paul cautioned the Ephesian elders about people who would arise from within the church, twisting the truth to draw disciples away, a practical example of the deception John warns against.
2 Peter 2:1This passage speaks of false prophets who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, similar to John's warning about those who seek to lead believers astray.
The phrase "these things" isn't just about general warnings; John is specifically referencing everything he's just written, from discerning truth to living righteously, as the very tools to combat the deceivers. It highlights that the antidote to deception isn't some secret knowledge, but a deep immersion in the truth John has already shared.
John is addressing a community grappling with false teachers who are trying to lead believers astray by denying the truth about Jesus. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and those who deny Jesus is the Christ, and he's reassuring them that the Holy Spirit helps them discern truth. This specific verse sets up John's extended exhortation about remaining in fellowship with God and with one another, which is the ultimate defense against deception.
John is addressing a community grappling with false teachers who are trying to lead believers astray by denying the truth about Jesus. He's just warned them about the Antichrist and those who deny Jesus is the Christ, and he's reassuring them that the Holy Spirit helps them discern truth. This specific verse sets up John's extended exhortation about remaining in fellowship with God and with one another, which is the ultimate defense against deception.
"I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is…" — The phrase "these things" isn't just about general warnings; John is specifically referencing everything he's just written, from discerning truth to living righteously, as the very tools to combat th…
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Last reviewed October 2026
