For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that the core of this "deceiver" isn't about outward actions but a fundamental denial of Jesus' physical presence. John is saying that a distorted view of Jesus, specifically denying he came in the flesh, is the hallmark of an antichrist figure, not just a minor doctrinal error. This shows how deeply important the reality of Jesus' humanity is to the very identity of Christ.
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John is writing to a specific "elect lady" and her children, warning them about false teachers who have infiltrated the community. These deceivers are denying the very foundation of Christian belief: that Jesus came in human flesh, which was a key way they were testing the spirits of those claiming to be from God. The apostle urges them to love one another and to remain firm in the truth taught by Christ, as these false teachers actively undermine that truth.
John warns about those who have infiltrated the early church. What was their big lie?
The Apostle John zeroes in on a fundamental truth: the identity of Jesus. He says these deceivers deny 'the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.'
This wasn't just a theological quibble; it struck at the heart of who Jesus was and what His coming accomplished. To deny that Jesus truly came in human form, with a physical body, was to undermine His sacrifice and His victory over sin and death.
It’s the bedrock of our faith – that God became human, walked among us, and redeemed us. Any teaching that twists this essential truth is a dangerous counterfeit.
John doesn't just call them deceivers; he labels them as 'the antichrist.' What does that really mean for us?
The term 'antichrist' can sound like a distant, future figure. But John uses it here to describe anyone actively opposing Christ.
These deceivers, by denying the core truth about Jesus, were not just mistaken; they were working against Christ and His kingdom. Their actions and teachings were a direct rebellion.
This 'antichrist' spirit isn't just about grand pronouncements of evil. It's present in any force, teaching, or movement that seeks to undermine or deny the truth of Jesus Christ and His saving work.
Understand the original words
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planos · Greek Noun
Those who lead others away from the truth by teaching error; specifically, those who deny the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith.
homologeō · Greek Verb
The public declaration or acknowledgment of a truth, specifically the orthodox belief regarding the nature and work of Jesus Christ.
sarx · Greek Noun
Refers to the incarnation—the profound truth that the eternal Son of God took on human nature, becoming truly human while remaining truly divine.
antichristos · Greek Noun
One who stands in opposition to Christ, seeking to subvert His authority, identity, or mission; the ultimate representative of the spirit of rebellion against God.
The threat John addresses isn't just theoretical; it's from people actively trying to undermine the very core of the Christian faith by denying Jesus' physical presence, which was a growing danger in the late first century.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity: Jesus' death and resurrection, signaling His divine nature and authority.
c. AD 40s-50s
Early Church Expansion
The Gospel spreads rapidly through the Roman Empire, planting churches and establishing Christian communities.
c. AD 60s
Apostolic Writings Circulate
Letters from apostles like Paul begin to be written and shared among churches, offering guidance and doctrine.
c. AD 80-90— this verse
Gnosticism Emerges
Various early Gnostic teachings begin to appear, often denying the physical reality of Christ or His divine nature.
c. AD 90s
John Writes His Epistles
The Apostle John writes his letters (including 2 John) to combat false teachings and encourage believers to remain in truth.
This passage from John's first letter warns believers to test the spirits, directly addressing the same issue of those who deny Jesus' physical coming.
2 Timothy 3:1-5Paul describes characteristics of people in the last days that echo the behavior of these deceivers, highlighting their focus on outward appearance rather than true godliness.
Matthew 24:4-5Jesus himself predicted that many would come in his name, claiming to be the Christ, which aligns with the warning in 2 John about false teachers appearing.
Colossians 2:7-9This passage cautions against deceptive philosophies that would lead believers astray, emphasizing that true fullness is found in Christ, contrasting with the 'deceivers' John mentions.
What's striking here is that the core of this "deceiver" isn't about outward actions but a fundamental denial of Jesus' physical presence. John is saying that a distorted view of Jesus, specifically denying he came in the flesh, is the hallmark of an antichrist figure, not just a minor doctrinal error. This shows how deeply important the reality of Jesus' humanity is to the very identity of Christ.
John is writing to a specific "elect lady" and her children, warning them about false teachers who have infiltrated the community. These deceivers are denying the very foundation of Christian belief: that Jesus came in human flesh, which was a key way they were testing the spirits of those claiming to be from God. The apostle urges them to love one another and to remain firm in the truth taught by Christ, as these false teachers actively undermine that truth.
John is writing to a specific "elect lady" and her children, warning them about false teachers who have infiltrated the community. These deceivers are denying the very foundation of Christian belief: that Jesus came in human flesh, which was a key way they were testing the spirits of those claiming to be from God. The apostle urges them to love one another and to remain firm in the truth taught by Christ, as these false teachers actively undermine that truth.
"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist." — What's striking here is that the core of this "deceiver" isn't about outward actions but a fundamental denial of Jesus' physical presence. John is saying that a distorted view of Jesus, specificall…
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Last reviewed October 2026