1 John 2:27

Anointing. Gr. chrisma (see on v. 20, where the same word is translated “unction”). The entire clause reads literally, “but as for you, the anointing which you have received,” emphasizing the contrast between the spiritual equipment of the believer and the wiles of the antichrist (as in vs. 20, 24). The apostle, following his customary method of encouraging his flock, reminds them of their privileges and tactfully assumes that they will prove themselves worthy of their spiritual heritage (cf. vs. 5, 12-14, 20, 24).

Of him. That is, of Christ. In this epistle the pronouns “he” and “him” generally refer to the Son.

Abideth. Gr. meno (see on v. 6). John expects the Holy Spirit to dwell in the heart of the Christian, and thus to be the controlling influence in his life.

Ye need not. The original gift of the Holy Spirit and His continual presence in the heart ensure progress in spiritual understanding (John 14:26; 16:13). The believer is not then wholly dependent on human instruction, nor is he at the mercy of the false teachers. However, he is not to rely on direct guidance from the Holy Spirit, to the exclusion of all else, or John would not be writing this epistle.

Same anointing. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “His anointing” (cf. on v. 20).

Is truth. Rather, “is true,” referring to the anointing with the Holy Spirit. The original instruction, given to the believer prior to baptism, when in a special way he received the Holy Spirit, is ever true. Nothing given later by the Holy Spirit will conflict with the basic teachings on which Christian faith is built. The Lord may have more light for us, but new light will confirm the old landmarks. It is by their attitude toward new light that the devotion of the people of God to truth and their possession of Christ’s anointing is revealed (GW 297-300).

Is no lie. Again John buttresses a positive statement by a denial of the opposite. There is no admixture of error in the revelations made by the Holy Spirit.

It. That is, Christ’s anointing.

Hath taught. We are anointed with the Holy Spirit, which teaches us “all things” (John 14:26).

Shall abide. Rather, “abide,” either as an imperative, “abide ye,” or as a statement, “ye abide.”

In him. That is, in Christ (see v. 28). The Greek construction of the second half of v. 27 is obscure. The apostle seems to be asserting that those who remain faithful to the Spirit’s instruction continue in intimate fellowship with Christ.