2 John 1:7
Verse
Context
Beware of Deceivers
6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
Sermons
John Gill
George FoxGeorge FoxJohn Gill
Anton BoschJohn GillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For many deceivers, etc. - Of these he had spoken before, see Jo1 4:1, etc. And these appear to have been Gnostics, for they denied that Jesus was come in the flesh. And this doctrine, so essential to salvation, none could deny but a deceiver and an antichrist. Instead of εισηλθον are entered in, many excellent MSS. and versions have εξηλθον, are gone out. The sense is nearly the same.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As love and truth go hand in hand (Jo2 1:3-4), he feels it needful to give warning against teachers of untruth. For--giving the reason why he dwelt on truth and on love, which manifests itself in keeping God's commandments (Jo2 1:6). many-- (Jo1 2:18; Jo1 4:1). are entered--The oldest manuscripts read, "have gone forth," namely, from us. confess not . . . Jesus . . . in the flesh--the token of Antichrist. is come--Greek, "coming." He who denies Christ's coming in the flesh, denies the possibility of the incarnation; he who denies that he has come, denies its actuality. They denied the possibility of a Messiah's appearing, or coming, in the flesh [NEANDER]. I think the Greek present participle implies both the first and the second advent of Christ. He is often elsewhere called the Coming One (Greek), Mat 11:3; Heb 10:37. The denial of the reality of His manifestation in the flesh, at His first coming, and of His personal advent again, constitutes Antichrist. "The world turns away from God and Christ, busily intent upon its own husks; but to OPPOSE God and Christ is of the leaven of Satan" [BENGEL]. This is a, &c.--Greek, "This (such a one as has been just described) is the deceiver and the Antichrist." The many who in a degree fulfil the character, are forerunners of the final personal Antichrist, who shall concentrate in himself all the features of previous Antichristian systems.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For many deceivers are entered into the world,.... By whom are meant false teachers, who are described by their quality, "deceivers", deceitful workers, pretending to be ministers of Christ, to have a: value for truth, a love for souls, and a view to the glory of God, but lie in wait to deceive, and handle the word of God deceitfully; and by their quantity or number, "many", and so likely to do much mischief; and by the place where they were, they were "entered into the world"; or "gone out into the world", as the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions read; See Gill on Jo1 4:1; and by their tenet, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh; these were not the Jews who denied that Jesus was the Christ, though they would not allow that Christ was come in the flesh; but these were some who bore the Christian name, and professed to believe in Jesus Christ, but would not own that he was really incarnate, or assumed a true human nature, only in appearance; and denied that he took true and real flesh of the virgin, but only seemed to do so; and these are confuted by the apostle, Jo1 1:1; and upon everyone of these he justly fixes the following character. This is a deceiver and an antichrist; one of the deceivers that were come into the world, and one of the antichrists that were already in it; and who were the forerunners of the man of sin, and in whom the mystery of iniquity already began to work; for antichrist does not design anyone particular individual person, but a set of men, that are contrary to Christ, and opposers of him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In this principal part of the epistle we find, I. The ill news communicated to the lady-seducers are abroad: For many deceivers have entered into the world. This report is introduced by a particle that bespeaks a reason of the report. "You have need to maintain your love, for there are destroyers of it in the world. Those who subvert the faith destroy the love; the common faith is one ground of the common love;" or, "You must secure your walk according to the commands of God; this will secure you. Your stability is likely to be tried, for many deceivers have entered into the world." Sad and saddening news may be communicated to our Christian friends; not that we should love to make them sorry, but to fore-warn is the way to fore-arm them against their trials. Now here is, 1. The description of the deceiver and his deceit - he confesses not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (Jo2 1:7); he brings some error or other concerning the person of the Lord Jesus; he either confesses not that Jesus Christ is the same person, or that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah promised of old for the redemption of Israel, or that the promised Messiah and Redeemer has come in the flesh, or into the flesh, into our world and into our nature; such a one pretends that he is yet to be expected. Strange that after such evidence any should deny that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world! 2. The aggravation of the case - such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist (Jo2 1:7); he deludes souls and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. He must be an impostor, a wilful deceiver, after all the light that has been afforded, and all the evidence that Christ has given concerning himself, and the attestation God has given concerning his Son; and he is a wilful opposer of the person, and honour, and interest of the Lord Christ, and as such shall be reckoned with when the Lord Christ comes again. Let us not think it strange that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such of old, even in the apostle's times. II. The counsel given to this elect household hereupon. Now care and caution are needful: Look to yourselves, Jo2 1:8. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Delusions may so prevail that even the elect may be endangered thereby. Two things they must beware of: - 1. That they lose not what they have wrought (Jo2 1:8), what they have done or what they have gained. It is a pity that any religious labour should be in vain; some begin well, but at last lose all their pains. The hopeful gentleman, who had kept the commands of the second table from his youth up, lost all for want of less love to the world and more love to Christ. Professors should take care not to lose what they have gained. Many have not only gained a fair reputation for religion, but much light therein, much conviction of the evil of sin, the vanity of the world, the excellency of religion, and the power of God's word. They have even tasted of the powers of the world to come, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and yet at last lose all. You did run well, who hindered you, that you should not obey (or not go on to obey) the truth? Sad it is that fair and splendid attainments in the school of Christ should all be lost at last. 2. That they lose not their reward, none of it, no portion of that honour, or praise, or glory that they once stood fair for. That we (or you, as in some copies) receive a full reward. "Secure you as full a reward as will be given to any in the church of God; if there are degrees of glory, lose none of that grace (that light, or love, or peace) which is to prepare you for the higher elevation in glory. Hold fast that which thou hast (in faith, and hope, and a good conscience), that no man take thy crown, that thou neither lose it nor any jewel out of it," Rev 3:11. The way to attain the full reward is to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. III. The reason of the apostle's counsel, and of their care and caution about themselves, which is twofold: - 1. The danger and evil of departure from gospel light and revelation; it is in effect and reality a departure from God himself: Whosoever transgresseth (transgresseth at this dismal rate), and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. It is the doctrine of Christ that is appointed to guide us to God; it is that whereby God draws souls to salvation and to himself. Those who revolt thence, in so doing revolt from God. 2. The advantage and happiness of firm adherence to Christian truth; it unites us to Christ (the object or subject-matter of that truth), and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. He that abideth (rooted and grounded) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. By the doctrine of Christ we are enlightened in the knowledge of the Father and the Son; by it we are sanctified for the Father and the Son; thereupon we are enriched with holy love to the Father and the Son; and thereby prepared for the endless enjoyment of the Father and the Son. Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you, Joh 15:3. This purity makes meet for heaven. The great God, as he has set his seal to the doctrine of Christ, so he puts a value upon it. We must retain that holy doctrine in faith and love, as we hope or desire to arrive at blessed communion with the Father and the Son.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:7 many deceivers have gone out into the world: Docetists were denying that Jesus Christ came in a real body. John refuted this heresy in his first letter (see 1 Jn 4:2-3). • A false teacher is a deceiver, because they mislead unwary believers, and an antichrist, because they distract and lead people away from the true Christ. By using the apocalyptic symbol of the antichrist, John signals the severity of the heresy and the ultimate judgment upon false teachers.
2 John 1:7
Beware of Deceivers
6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
1 John 2:21
By John Gill0DiscernmentTruthPSA 119:160JHN 14:6JHN 16:13ROM 3:4GAL 1:8EPH 4:142TI 3:161PE 5:81JN 2:212JN 1:7John Gill emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth in his sermon on 1 John 2:21, addressing the potential confusion among believers regarding the necessity of his writing. He clarifies that he writes not to those who are ignorant, but to those who already possess knowledge of the truth, which comes from God, Christ, the Spirit, and the Scriptures. Gill warns against the deceivers and heresies that contradict the Gospel, reminding the congregation that no lie can originate from the truth. His message serves to reinforce the believers' understanding and defense of their faith against false teachings.
Epistle 54
By George Fox0JER 23:29MAT 24:11JHN 3:19JHN 15:1ACT 26:18ROM 13:12GAL 5:19EPH 5:11HEB 1:3HEB 4:121PE 1:232JN 1:7George Fox preaches to the babes of God, urging them to dwell in the eternal light of Christ, which comprehends the world and condemns all evil deeds and works of darkness. He emphasizes the importance of living in alignment with the light, which leads to Christ and exposes false prophets and antichrists who oppose it. Those who turn away from the light and rely solely on human wisdom are condemned, while those who dwell in the light receive knowledge from above and are guided by Christ's gentle wisdom.
Epistle 42
By George Fox0Discernment of False TeachersLiving in the LightJER 5:31EZK 34:8MAT 23:6JHN 1:9JHN 3:19JHN 8:12JHN 10:12ROM 8:142CO 5:172JN 1:7JUD 1:11George Fox addresses all Friends scattered abroad, urging them to dwell in the light that comes from Christ, which enables them to see Him as their Savior and grow in Him. He emphasizes that those who are in Christ are new creations, free from condemnation, and are led by the Spirit to discern the deceivers and antichrists in the world. Fox warns against false teachers and prophets who exploit the people and highlights the importance of walking in the light to receive the light of life. He reiterates that the light reveals the true nature of those who oppose it and condemns their actions. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to the light, which brings clarity and truth amidst the darkness.
1 John 4:3
By John Gill0ChristologyDiscernment in FaithJHN 1:14JHN 14:6ROM 10:9PHP 2:6COL 2:91TI 2:5HEB 4:151JN 2:181JN 4:32JN 1:7John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of acknowledging the true nature of Christ, including His deity, humanity, and roles as Savior and Messiah. He warns that any spirit or doctrine that denies these truths is not from God and is aligned with the spirit of antichrist. Gill highlights that such false teachings are already present in the world, serving as forerunners to the ultimate antichrist. The sermon calls believers to remain steadfast in their faith and understanding of who Jesus is to avoid being led astray by deceptive doctrines.
Who's Responsible?
By Anton Bosch0EZK 18:20MAT 7:7MAT 15:14ROM 1:201TH 5:212TH 2:101JN 4:12JN 1:7REV 19:20Anton Bosch addresses the responsibility of individuals for their own souls, emphasizing that each person is held accountable for their eternal destiny regardless of the teachings they received. He highlights the importance of seeking and loving the truth, as well as the danger of being deceived by false prophets and teachings. Bosch stresses the need to test everything against the Word of God and the prompting of the Holy Spirit to avoid deception and stand firm in the truth.
1 John 2:26
By John Gill0DiscernmentFalse TeachersMAT 7:15ACT 20:292CO 11:13GAL 1:6EPH 4:141TI 4:12TI 3:131JN 2:261JN 4:12JN 1:7John Gill emphasizes the apostle's warning to the 'little children' about the dangers posed by antichrists and deceivers who seek to seduce them away from the truth. He explains that while believers may face challenges and doubts from false teachers, they cannot be ultimately deceived due to their election by God. Gill highlights the importance of recognizing and avoiding those who deny Christ and fail to acknowledge the Father and the Son, portraying the apostle as a caring father and vigilant shepherd guiding his flock.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For many deceivers, etc. - Of these he had spoken before, see Jo1 4:1, etc. And these appear to have been Gnostics, for they denied that Jesus was come in the flesh. And this doctrine, so essential to salvation, none could deny but a deceiver and an antichrist. Instead of εισηλθον are entered in, many excellent MSS. and versions have εξηλθον, are gone out. The sense is nearly the same.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
As love and truth go hand in hand (Jo2 1:3-4), he feels it needful to give warning against teachers of untruth. For--giving the reason why he dwelt on truth and on love, which manifests itself in keeping God's commandments (Jo2 1:6). many-- (Jo1 2:18; Jo1 4:1). are entered--The oldest manuscripts read, "have gone forth," namely, from us. confess not . . . Jesus . . . in the flesh--the token of Antichrist. is come--Greek, "coming." He who denies Christ's coming in the flesh, denies the possibility of the incarnation; he who denies that he has come, denies its actuality. They denied the possibility of a Messiah's appearing, or coming, in the flesh [NEANDER]. I think the Greek present participle implies both the first and the second advent of Christ. He is often elsewhere called the Coming One (Greek), Mat 11:3; Heb 10:37. The denial of the reality of His manifestation in the flesh, at His first coming, and of His personal advent again, constitutes Antichrist. "The world turns away from God and Christ, busily intent upon its own husks; but to OPPOSE God and Christ is of the leaven of Satan" [BENGEL]. This is a, &c.--Greek, "This (such a one as has been just described) is the deceiver and the Antichrist." The many who in a degree fulfil the character, are forerunners of the final personal Antichrist, who shall concentrate in himself all the features of previous Antichristian systems.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For many deceivers are entered into the world,.... By whom are meant false teachers, who are described by their quality, "deceivers", deceitful workers, pretending to be ministers of Christ, to have a: value for truth, a love for souls, and a view to the glory of God, but lie in wait to deceive, and handle the word of God deceitfully; and by their quantity or number, "many", and so likely to do much mischief; and by the place where they were, they were "entered into the world"; or "gone out into the world", as the Alexandrian copy and some others, and the Vulgate Latin and Syriac versions read; See Gill on Jo1 4:1; and by their tenet, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh; these were not the Jews who denied that Jesus was the Christ, though they would not allow that Christ was come in the flesh; but these were some who bore the Christian name, and professed to believe in Jesus Christ, but would not own that he was really incarnate, or assumed a true human nature, only in appearance; and denied that he took true and real flesh of the virgin, but only seemed to do so; and these are confuted by the apostle, Jo1 1:1; and upon everyone of these he justly fixes the following character. This is a deceiver and an antichrist; one of the deceivers that were come into the world, and one of the antichrists that were already in it; and who were the forerunners of the man of sin, and in whom the mystery of iniquity already began to work; for antichrist does not design anyone particular individual person, but a set of men, that are contrary to Christ, and opposers of him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In this principal part of the epistle we find, I. The ill news communicated to the lady-seducers are abroad: For many deceivers have entered into the world. This report is introduced by a particle that bespeaks a reason of the report. "You have need to maintain your love, for there are destroyers of it in the world. Those who subvert the faith destroy the love; the common faith is one ground of the common love;" or, "You must secure your walk according to the commands of God; this will secure you. Your stability is likely to be tried, for many deceivers have entered into the world." Sad and saddening news may be communicated to our Christian friends; not that we should love to make them sorry, but to fore-warn is the way to fore-arm them against their trials. Now here is, 1. The description of the deceiver and his deceit - he confesses not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (Jo2 1:7); he brings some error or other concerning the person of the Lord Jesus; he either confesses not that Jesus Christ is the same person, or that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah promised of old for the redemption of Israel, or that the promised Messiah and Redeemer has come in the flesh, or into the flesh, into our world and into our nature; such a one pretends that he is yet to be expected. Strange that after such evidence any should deny that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world! 2. The aggravation of the case - such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist (Jo2 1:7); he deludes souls and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. He must be an impostor, a wilful deceiver, after all the light that has been afforded, and all the evidence that Christ has given concerning himself, and the attestation God has given concerning his Son; and he is a wilful opposer of the person, and honour, and interest of the Lord Christ, and as such shall be reckoned with when the Lord Christ comes again. Let us not think it strange that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such of old, even in the apostle's times. II. The counsel given to this elect household hereupon. Now care and caution are needful: Look to yourselves, Jo2 1:8. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Delusions may so prevail that even the elect may be endangered thereby. Two things they must beware of: - 1. That they lose not what they have wrought (Jo2 1:8), what they have done or what they have gained. It is a pity that any religious labour should be in vain; some begin well, but at last lose all their pains. The hopeful gentleman, who had kept the commands of the second table from his youth up, lost all for want of less love to the world and more love to Christ. Professors should take care not to lose what they have gained. Many have not only gained a fair reputation for religion, but much light therein, much conviction of the evil of sin, the vanity of the world, the excellency of religion, and the power of God's word. They have even tasted of the powers of the world to come, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and yet at last lose all. You did run well, who hindered you, that you should not obey (or not go on to obey) the truth? Sad it is that fair and splendid attainments in the school of Christ should all be lost at last. 2. That they lose not their reward, none of it, no portion of that honour, or praise, or glory that they once stood fair for. That we (or you, as in some copies) receive a full reward. "Secure you as full a reward as will be given to any in the church of God; if there are degrees of glory, lose none of that grace (that light, or love, or peace) which is to prepare you for the higher elevation in glory. Hold fast that which thou hast (in faith, and hope, and a good conscience), that no man take thy crown, that thou neither lose it nor any jewel out of it," Rev 3:11. The way to attain the full reward is to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. III. The reason of the apostle's counsel, and of their care and caution about themselves, which is twofold: - 1. The danger and evil of departure from gospel light and revelation; it is in effect and reality a departure from God himself: Whosoever transgresseth (transgresseth at this dismal rate), and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. It is the doctrine of Christ that is appointed to guide us to God; it is that whereby God draws souls to salvation and to himself. Those who revolt thence, in so doing revolt from God. 2. The advantage and happiness of firm adherence to Christian truth; it unites us to Christ (the object or subject-matter of that truth), and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. He that abideth (rooted and grounded) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. By the doctrine of Christ we are enlightened in the knowledge of the Father and the Son; by it we are sanctified for the Father and the Son; thereupon we are enriched with holy love to the Father and the Son; and thereby prepared for the endless enjoyment of the Father and the Son. Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you, Joh 15:3. This purity makes meet for heaven. The great God, as he has set his seal to the doctrine of Christ, so he puts a value upon it. We must retain that holy doctrine in faith and love, as we hope or desire to arrive at blessed communion with the Father and the Son.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
1:7 many deceivers have gone out into the world: Docetists were denying that Jesus Christ came in a real body. John refuted this heresy in his first letter (see 1 Jn 4:2-3). • A false teacher is a deceiver, because they mislead unwary believers, and an antichrist, because they distract and lead people away from the true Christ. By using the apocalyptic symbol of the antichrist, John signals the severity of the heresy and the ultimate judgment upon false teachers.