1 John 2:27
Verse
Context
Remain in Christ
26I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the anointing which ye have received - That ointment, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, mentioned Jo1 2:20 (note). Ye need not that any man teach you - The Gnostics, who pretended to the highest illumination, could bring no proof that they were divinely taught, nor had they any thing in their teaching worthy the acceptance of the meanest Christian; therefore they had no need of that, nor of any other teaching but that which the same anointing teacheth, the same Spirit from whom they had already received the light of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Whatever that taught, they needed; and whatever those taught whose teaching was according to this Spirit, they needed. St. John does not say that those who had once received the teaching of the Divine Spirit had no farther need of the ministry of the Gospel; no, but he says they had no need of such teaching as their false teachers proposed to them; nor of any other teaching that was different from that anointing, i.e. the teaching of the Spirit of God. No man, howsoever holy, wise, or pure, can ever be in such a state as to have no need of the Gospel ministry: they who think so give the highest proof that they have never yet learned of Christ or his Spirit. And is truth - Because it is the Spirit of truth Joh 16:13. And is no lie - It has nothing like the fables of the Gnostics. It can neither deceive, nor be deceived.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--Greek, "And you (contrasting the believing readers with the seducers; the words 'and you' stand prominent, the construction of the sentence following being altered, and no verb agreeing with 'and you' until 'need not') . . . the anointing," &c. (resumed from Jo1 2:20). received of him-- (Joh 1:16). So we "are unto God a sweet savor of Christ." abideth in you--He tacitly thus admonishes them to say, when tempted by seducers, "The anointing abideth in us; we do not need a teacher [for we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher, Jer 31:34; Joh 6:45; Joh 16:13]; it teaches us the truth; in that teaching we will abide" [BENGEL]. and--and therefore. God is sufficient for them who are taught of Him; they are independent of all others, though, of course, not declining the Christian counsel of faithful ministers. "Mutual communication is not set aside, but approved of, in the case of those who are partakers of the anointing in one body" [BENGEL]. the same anointing--which ye once for all received, and which now still abides in you. of--"concerning." all things--essential to salvation; the point under discussion. Not that the believer is made infallible, for no believer here receives the Spirit in all its fulness, but only the measure needful for keeping him from soul-destroying error. So the Church, though having the Spirit in her, is not infallible (for many fallible members can never make an infallible whole), but is kept from ever wholly losing the saving truth. no lie--as Antichristian teaching. ye shall abide in him-- (Jo1 2:24, end); even as "the anointing abideth in you." The oldest manuscripts read the imperative, "abide in Him."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the anointing which ye have received of him,.... The Spirit, and the grace of the Spirit, which they had received out of the fulness of grace which is in Christ; and is compared to oil or ointment; See Gill on Jo1 2:20; for Christ, the anointed, is the fountain of it all, and it is had from him in a way of giving and receiving. So the second "Sephira", or number in the Jews' Cabalistic tree, which is wisdom, has for one of its surnames, the fountain of the oil of unction (i) this abideth in you; the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "if it abideth", which spoils the text, for the words are not conditional, but affirmative: grace is an internal thing, it is oil in the vessel of the heart, and where it once is, it abides; as does every grace of the Spirit, as faith, hope, love, and every other: grace can never be taken away; God will not take it away, where he has once bestowed it, and men and devils cannot; it can never be lost as to the principle and being of it; it is an incorruptible seed, and a living principle, which can never be destroyed, notwithstanding all the corruptions in a man's hart, the pollutions of the world, and the temptations of Satan: and ye need not that any man teach you; not that they were perfect in knowledge, for no man is absolutely, only comparatively so, in this life; or that they needed not, and were above and exempt from the instructions of Christ's faithful servants; for John himself taught them, and to teach and instruct them was the end of his writing this epistle to them; but the sense is either that they needed not the teachings of these men before mentioned, the antichrists, liars, and seducers, being better taught, and having an unction by which they knew all things; or they needed not to be taught as if they were babes in Christ, as unskilful in the word of righteousness, but so as to increase in spiritual knowledge, and go on to perfection, and be established in the present truths, at least so as to be put in remembrance of them; or rather they needed not, nor were they to regard any mere human revelation and doctrine, for the whole Gospel was come by Jesus Christ, and no other is to be expected or received by men, nor any doctrine but what is according to the revelation of Christ; wherefore saints under the Gospel dispensation are taught of God by his Spirit, according to the word of truth, and by the ministry of it, and have no need of learning every man from his neighbour, or from his brother, any separate revelation; so that this passage does not militate against the external ministry of the Gospel, or human teachings according to that perfect rule and declaration of the whole mind and will of God by Christ under the Gospel dispensation: but as the same anointing. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions read, "his anointing"; that is, God's or Christ's; and so the Syriac version renders it, "that unction which is of God"; meaning the same as before: the Ethiopic version renders it, his Spirit, which, though not a true version, is no improper or impertinent sense of the phrase: and this teacheth you of all things; truths and doctrines necessary to salvation, as in 1Jo_2:20; and is truth, and is no lie; or true and not a liar; which is a just character of the spirit of truth, in opposition to the spirit of error; and holds good of the grace of the Spirit, which is truth in the inward parts, and is genuine and sincere: and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him; in Christ, from whom they received this anointing; see Gill on Jo1 2:24; or in the anointing itself, in the grace of the Spirit, in which they stood. Some versions read in the imperative, abide in him, or it, as in 1Jo_2:28. (i) Cabala Denudata, par. 2. p. 8.
1 John 2:27
Remain in Christ
26I have written these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.27And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Titus - Part 19): The Grace of God I
By A.W. Tozer4.7K25:37Titus2PE 1:82PE 3:152PE 3:181JN 2:241JN 2:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the inability of the human race to rise to the teachings of great teachers and religions due to the inherent bad nature of human beings. However, the grace of God brings salvation and also provides the moral impulse within the heart to enable righteous living. The preacher highlights the significance of the word "pardon" and how it represents both a desire for forgiveness and a condemnation of wrongdoing. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of living a moral and virtuous life, growing constantly in righteousness and brotherly kindness, as taught by the grace of God.
(1 John #16) Undergirding the Faith of the God-Fearing
By J. Glyn Owen3.3K35:48Fearing GodMAT 5:17MAT 6:33JHN 14:26JHN 16:132TI 3:161JN 2:201JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holding onto the truth of God's word and not being swayed by false teachings or novel ideas. He encourages the early Christians to rely on the anointing of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the word of truth. The speaker highlights the universality of this truth, particularly in times of distress, danger, and heresy. He urges the listeners to not just hear the truth, but to let it abide in them and have a deep impact on their lives.
(Exodus) Exodus 30:22-27
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K02:54EXO 30:22EXO 30:30MAT 6:33JHN 14:262CO 1:211JN 2:201JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the concept of anointing as mentioned in 1st John 2:20. The anointing referred to here is the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to understand the Word of God. The speaker emphasizes that it is the Spirit of God, not the speaker or program, that makes the Word of God real to people. The sermon also highlights the importance of seeking God's anointing and asking Him to open our hearts and minds to understand His Word. Additionally, the speaker references Exodus 30:22-30, where God instructs Moses to make a holy anointing oil to consecrate the tabernacle and the priests.
Total Dependence Upon God
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:39HAB 2:4MRK 9:24JHN 15:52CO 12:92CO 13:3PHP 1:91TI 1:191JN 2:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and faith. It discusses the dangers of relying on human wisdom, the significance of discerning spirits, and the power that comes through weakness and reliance on God's strength. The speaker uses biblical examples like Abraham, Paul's thorn in the flesh, and Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate the concept of living by faith and total dependence on God.
Eternal Values - Demonstrating Heaven's Values
By Zac Poonen2.2K52:30EternityJER 17:9MAT 22:39JHN 10:27ACT 20:272CO 11:31JN 2:27REV 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with those of heaven, particularly in relation to money. He highlights the need to fight the good fight of faith and take hold of eternal life, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 6. The speaker also emphasizes that the life of God cannot be organized or predicted, comparing it to the work of the Holy Spirit, which is like the wind. The sermon encourages listeners to seek a deep understanding of eternal life and to be mouthpieces of God, focusing on the message of the heart rather than impressing others with worldly greatness. The speaker urges listeners to follow the example of Jesus in preaching and to study His teachings as a guide.
Sanctification: 1. a Pure Spirit
By Zac Poonen2.1K51:35Worship in SpiritSanctificationPRO 3:5MAT 5:8MAT 15:13JHN 4:24ROM 8:21CO 3:132CO 7:11TH 4:31TH 5:231JN 2:27Zac Poonen emphasizes the significance of sanctification, particularly the need for a pure spirit in our relationship with God. He highlights that true worship must come from the spirit, not merely from outward actions, and that maintaining a pure spirit is essential for experiencing God's presence and guidance. Poonen warns against the dangers of prioritizing work over worship and stresses that sanctification is God's work in us, requiring our submission. He encourages believers to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with God, which will lead to discernment and a life that reflects His holiness.
Issue of Life - What Is Life?
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:07:09LifeJHN 1:4ROM 8:22CO 3:172CO 7:1GAL 6:171JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unchanging nature of laws, using the example of gravity. He explains that the law of sin and death operates because humans live in the flesh, not recognizing that even the good in the flesh is still under this law. The speaker highlights the need for deliverance from this bondage, which can only be found through Jesus Christ. The sermon also discusses the working of the law of the spirit of life, which brings separation from worldly things and brings light and revelation to expose and judge everything.
Marks of the New Birth
By G.W. North1.5K1:10:56New Birth1JN 2:271JN 3:71JN 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being deceived and staying grounded in the truth of God. He highlights Jesus as the true and faithful witness and the Son of God. The speaker encourages listeners to have a heart that understands God's purpose and to live according to His will. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the practicality of God's love and the power of compassion in action.
Studies in 1 John-02 1 John 2:3-3:11
By William MacDonald1.4K38:24EXO 20:1PSA 23:1ACT 4:12ROM 8:37EPH 4:111JN 2:271JN 3:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the transformative power of the Lord Jesus in one's life. The speaker emphasizes the realization of breaking the Ten Commandments and the resulting fear of death. However, the preacher highlights the relief and freedom found in trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior. The sermon also emphasizes the sufficiency of the Bible for the Christian life and the importance of relying on God in all circumstances.
Knowing
By Manley Beasley98839:08Christian LivingMAT 6:33LUK 24:30JHN 6:14JHN 10:27HEB 4:121JN 2:201JN 2:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having a personal revelation of who Jesus is. He emphasizes that simply relying on the Bible as evidence of God's presence is not enough. The preacher references Romans 8:16, which states that the Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. He challenges the congregation to question how they truly know God and encourages them to seek a deeper, personal experience with Him.
Knowing Christ Pt 3
By Philip Powell78550:58ACT 19:8COL 1:271JN 2:241JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the idea of knowing Christ and how it is measured. He emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments as a way to know that we truly know Christ. The speaker also highlights the significance of loving and being a part of God's family, even when disagreements arise. Additionally, the speaker mentions the concept of having an anointing from the Holy One, which allows believers to have a deeper understanding of God.
I John - the Antichrist
By Mariano Di Gangi63420:29AntichristJHN 4:23JHN 8:32JHN 14:6JHN 17:172CO 4:41JN 2:191JN 2:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being enlightened by the Holy Spirit to discern between truth and falsehood. The perspicuity of Scripture is highlighted, which means that even a child can understand the essential truths of the Gospel with the help of the Spirit. The speaker warns against separating oneself from the Christian community, as it indicates a lack of true belonging and inheritance in the kingdom of God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the need to acknowledge and embrace the truth of the Gospel, to discern and reject falsehood, and to trust in Jesus Christ for reconciliation with the Father.
Being Filled With the Spirit
By Zac Poonen6241:25:02LUK 11:13EPH 5:181JN 2:271JN 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God, cleansing our conscience, forgiving others, and yielding every area of our lives to the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need to test every spirit and align our lives with the teachings and examples of Jesus and the Apostles. The speaker encourages building a strong foundation in Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and focusing on glorifying Jesus in every aspect of life.
Having Authority Over Any Satanic Powers
By Zac Poonen58146:20MAT 22:37JHN 14:26ACT 1:8ROM 12:21CO 6:191CO 12:7EPH 5:18JAS 4:71JN 2:271JN 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, sharing personal experiences of encountering evil spirits and the authority given by Jesus to cast out demons. It highlights the need to surrender every area of our lives to God, cleanse our hearts, and prioritize our love for Jesus above all else. The speaker stresses the significance of building the Church of Jesus Christ, being discerning of false spirits, and seeking the genuine presence of God in our lives.
The Discipline of Danger - 2
By Jack Hibbs51450:12DisciplineNEH 6:11ACT 2:41PHP 1:271JN 2:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disciplines of danger that Christians should be aware of in the last days. He emphasizes the importance of the logos of God, which is the word of God found in the Bible. The preacher also highlights the pathos, which is the passion and courage needed to face danger and achieve victory. He warns against the dangers of materialism and possessions, urging Christians to prioritize God and His work rather than being consumed by worldly desires. The preacher encourages listeners to read and study the Bible to navigate the challenges of the last days.
Following Jesus
By Michael Koulianos3940:28Manifest Presence Of GodSelf-Denial and SacrificeJesusMAT 28:19LUK 9:23JHN 15:5ACT 1:8ROM 12:11CO 6:192CO 5:17HEB 10:25JAS 4:81JN 2:27Michael Koulianos emphasizes the transformative power of being born again, where Jesus dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit. He warns against complacency after experiencing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, urging the church to remain fervent in seeking God's presence. Koulianos highlights that true outreach and evangelism stem from living in the manifest presence of Jesus, rather than mere initiatives. He calls for a lifestyle of self-denial and sacrifice, illustrating that the cross is not just a starting point but a continuous journey of following Christ. Ultimately, he stresses that a church without the presence of Jesus is not a church at all, and encourages believers to cultivate a heart that longs for God's glory.
On Knowing the Lord (Philippians 3:10)
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual GrowthKnowing GodPRO 3:5JHN 5:19JHN 14:9JHN 17:3PHP 1:10PHP 3:10COL 2:3HEB 8:111JN 2:201JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the primary objective of God's dealings with His children is for them to know Him intimately. He illustrates that this knowledge is foundational for strength, steadfastness, and effective service, as exemplified in the life of Jesus and the apostle Paul. The sermon highlights that true guidance and confidence stem from a deep, personal relationship with the Lord, rather than mere external knowledge or service. Sparks warns against the dangers of relying solely on doctrine and external practices, urging believers to seek a profound understanding of God. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to knowing the Lord, which is essential for spiritual resilience and effectiveness in ministry.
Then Opened He Their Understanding
By C.H. Spurgeon0Divine RevelationUnderstanding ScripturePSA 119:18PRO 2:6MAT 11:25LUK 24:45JHN 14:261CO 2:12EPH 1:17COL 1:9JAS 1:51JN 2:27C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the unique role of Jesus in opening the understanding of His followers, contrasting Him with other teachers who can only convey knowledge without imparting true spiritual insight. He highlights that while many can present Scripture, only Christ can prepare the heart to receive its deeper truths, enabling even the unlearned to grasp the mysteries of the kingdom. Spurgeon reflects on the transformation from ignorance to understanding that occurs through the Holy Spirit, underscoring the necessity of Jesus' intervention for spiritual enlightenment. He encourages believers to seek Christ's guidance in prayer to enhance their understanding of divine truths. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a humble approach to learning at the feet of Jesus, recognizing Him as the sole source of true wisdom.
The Qualities of a Successful Ministry
By Daniel Steele0PSA 23:5PSA 51:10JHN 16:13ACT 1:8ACT 11:24ROM 8:161CO 2:4EPH 5:181TH 1:51JN 2:27Daniel Steele preaches on the importance of the fullness of the Holy Spirit in the ministry, emphasizing the need for character, creed, and experience. He highlights Barnabas as an example of a successful evangelist, attributing his effectiveness to being a good man, full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost. Steele stresses the essential role of character in the Christian ministry, stating that purity of character is indispensable for success. He also underscores the significance of benevolent affections and transparent generosity in ministry, pointing out that a kind heart is crucial in winning souls to Christ.
Responding to the Spirit
By A.W. Tozer0Sensitivity to the Holy SpiritSpiritual AwarenessPSA 51:10ISA 30:21JHN 10:27ROM 8:14GAL 5:25EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 3:15JAS 1:221JN 2:27A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in the lives of young men and women raised in Christian environments. He expresses a deep desire to maintain this sensitivity, valuing it above physical well-being. Tozer laments that many individuals, despite their Christian upbringing, lack a genuine connection with God and fail to respond to His voice. He warns that without the Holy Spirit's influence, these individuals cannot be effective Christians. The sermon calls for a revival of spiritual sensitivity to ensure a vibrant faith.
Epistles of John Chapter 4 the Anointing
By A.B. Simpson0The Anointing of the Holy SpiritSpiritual EmpowermentGEN 28:181JN 2:27A.B. Simpson emphasizes the significance of the anointing in the life of believers, illustrating it through biblical examples such as Jacob's anointing, the consecration of the tabernacle, the priesthood, the leper, and the sick. He explains that the anointing represents the Holy Spirit's presence and power, which transforms and empowers believers for service and healing. Simpson highlights that true anointing requires complete surrender and obedience to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to dwell within and guide us. He warns against the obstructions that can hinder our spiritual life, urging believers to remain vigilant and connected to God. Ultimately, the anointing is a divine gift that brings believers into a deeper relationship with Christ and equips them for ministry.
He Will Lead
By Richard E. Bieber0JHN 14:26ACT 1:4ROM 8:14GAL 5:25EPH 4:301TH 5:19HEB 3:7JAS 4:51JN 2:27Richard E. Bieber preaches about the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide believers into truth and empower them to be witnesses for Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to teach, guide, and empower every man and woman who lives as a disciple of Christ, not just limited to the apostles or a specific age. The key is to listen, learn, and follow where the Spirit leads, without looking back or being distracted by other voices or desires. The Spirit guides believers through challenges and impossible situations, requiring trust, unity with fellow believers, and obedience to His leading.
Pearls From Philpot
By J.C. Philpot0JHN 8:32ROM 8:262CO 7:10GAL 2:201PE 5:101JN 2:27J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of suffering and trials in the life of a believer, emphasizing that God uses these experiences to perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle His children. He highlights the distinction between worldly sorrow that leads to death and godly sorrow that leads to repentance and salvation. Philpot encourages seeking the truth in the Scriptures as a means of finding freedom and victory over sin through faith in Christ's sufferings and resurrection. He also underscores the necessity of experiencing the anointing of the Holy Spirit for spiritual strength and perseverance in the Christian journey.
The Meaning of "Kosmos" in John 3:16
By A.W. Pink0GEN 38:17PSA 119:140PRO 17:18MAT 5:372CO 1:212CO 5:5EPH 1:14HEB 6:171JN 2:27Greek Word Studies for aid_number 34614 delves into the concept of 'arrabon' as a pledge, which is the payment of part of a purchase price in advance, serving as a guarantee for the completion of a transaction. This term is used figuratively in the New Testament to describe the Holy Spirit as the down payment of blessings promised by God, ensuring believers of their future inheritance. The possession of the Spirit now is a guarantee of the full blessings to come in the future, symbolizing a divine engagement ring between the church and Christ.
Traits of a Genuine Bible Teacher
By R. Stanley0JHN 3:1ACT 13:1ACT 17:11ACT 20:27ROM 3:4EPH 4:11EPH 4:151TI 4:13HEB 4:121JN 2:27R. Stanley emphasizes the importance of falling in love with the Word of God rather than attracting followers to himself, highlighting the infallibility of the Bible compared to human fallibility. He fearlessly teaches God's Word, prioritizing truth over denominational beliefs, speaking with both firmness and gentleness. R. Stanley ensures to teach the 'whole' counsel of God, avoiding cherry-picking topics and balancing facts with feelings. He goes beyond teaching true and false doctrines, training others in the art of discernment and spiritual growth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But the anointing which ye have received - That ointment, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, mentioned Jo1 2:20 (note). Ye need not that any man teach you - The Gnostics, who pretended to the highest illumination, could bring no proof that they were divinely taught, nor had they any thing in their teaching worthy the acceptance of the meanest Christian; therefore they had no need of that, nor of any other teaching but that which the same anointing teacheth, the same Spirit from whom they had already received the light of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ. Whatever that taught, they needed; and whatever those taught whose teaching was according to this Spirit, they needed. St. John does not say that those who had once received the teaching of the Divine Spirit had no farther need of the ministry of the Gospel; no, but he says they had no need of such teaching as their false teachers proposed to them; nor of any other teaching that was different from that anointing, i.e. the teaching of the Spirit of God. No man, howsoever holy, wise, or pure, can ever be in such a state as to have no need of the Gospel ministry: they who think so give the highest proof that they have never yet learned of Christ or his Spirit. And is truth - Because it is the Spirit of truth Joh 16:13. And is no lie - It has nothing like the fables of the Gnostics. It can neither deceive, nor be deceived.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
But--Greek, "And you (contrasting the believing readers with the seducers; the words 'and you' stand prominent, the construction of the sentence following being altered, and no verb agreeing with 'and you' until 'need not') . . . the anointing," &c. (resumed from Jo1 2:20). received of him-- (Joh 1:16). So we "are unto God a sweet savor of Christ." abideth in you--He tacitly thus admonishes them to say, when tempted by seducers, "The anointing abideth in us; we do not need a teacher [for we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher, Jer 31:34; Joh 6:45; Joh 16:13]; it teaches us the truth; in that teaching we will abide" [BENGEL]. and--and therefore. God is sufficient for them who are taught of Him; they are independent of all others, though, of course, not declining the Christian counsel of faithful ministers. "Mutual communication is not set aside, but approved of, in the case of those who are partakers of the anointing in one body" [BENGEL]. the same anointing--which ye once for all received, and which now still abides in you. of--"concerning." all things--essential to salvation; the point under discussion. Not that the believer is made infallible, for no believer here receives the Spirit in all its fulness, but only the measure needful for keeping him from soul-destroying error. So the Church, though having the Spirit in her, is not infallible (for many fallible members can never make an infallible whole), but is kept from ever wholly losing the saving truth. no lie--as Antichristian teaching. ye shall abide in him-- (Jo1 2:24, end); even as "the anointing abideth in you." The oldest manuscripts read the imperative, "abide in Him."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But the anointing which ye have received of him,.... The Spirit, and the grace of the Spirit, which they had received out of the fulness of grace which is in Christ; and is compared to oil or ointment; See Gill on Jo1 2:20; for Christ, the anointed, is the fountain of it all, and it is had from him in a way of giving and receiving. So the second "Sephira", or number in the Jews' Cabalistic tree, which is wisdom, has for one of its surnames, the fountain of the oil of unction (i) this abideth in you; the Syriac and Arabic versions render it, "if it abideth", which spoils the text, for the words are not conditional, but affirmative: grace is an internal thing, it is oil in the vessel of the heart, and where it once is, it abides; as does every grace of the Spirit, as faith, hope, love, and every other: grace can never be taken away; God will not take it away, where he has once bestowed it, and men and devils cannot; it can never be lost as to the principle and being of it; it is an incorruptible seed, and a living principle, which can never be destroyed, notwithstanding all the corruptions in a man's hart, the pollutions of the world, and the temptations of Satan: and ye need not that any man teach you; not that they were perfect in knowledge, for no man is absolutely, only comparatively so, in this life; or that they needed not, and were above and exempt from the instructions of Christ's faithful servants; for John himself taught them, and to teach and instruct them was the end of his writing this epistle to them; but the sense is either that they needed not the teachings of these men before mentioned, the antichrists, liars, and seducers, being better taught, and having an unction by which they knew all things; or they needed not to be taught as if they were babes in Christ, as unskilful in the word of righteousness, but so as to increase in spiritual knowledge, and go on to perfection, and be established in the present truths, at least so as to be put in remembrance of them; or rather they needed not, nor were they to regard any mere human revelation and doctrine, for the whole Gospel was come by Jesus Christ, and no other is to be expected or received by men, nor any doctrine but what is according to the revelation of Christ; wherefore saints under the Gospel dispensation are taught of God by his Spirit, according to the word of truth, and by the ministry of it, and have no need of learning every man from his neighbour, or from his brother, any separate revelation; so that this passage does not militate against the external ministry of the Gospel, or human teachings according to that perfect rule and declaration of the whole mind and will of God by Christ under the Gospel dispensation: but as the same anointing. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions read, "his anointing"; that is, God's or Christ's; and so the Syriac version renders it, "that unction which is of God"; meaning the same as before: the Ethiopic version renders it, his Spirit, which, though not a true version, is no improper or impertinent sense of the phrase: and this teacheth you of all things; truths and doctrines necessary to salvation, as in 1Jo_2:20; and is truth, and is no lie; or true and not a liar; which is a just character of the spirit of truth, in opposition to the spirit of error; and holds good of the grace of the Spirit, which is truth in the inward parts, and is genuine and sincere: and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him; in Christ, from whom they received this anointing; see Gill on Jo1 2:24; or in the anointing itself, in the grace of the Spirit, in which they stood. Some versions read in the imperative, abide in him, or it, as in 1Jo_2:28. (i) Cabala Denudata, par. 2. p. 8.