Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. (1 John 2:18)
That is, either from John or from other accredited Christian teachers. The believers had been well instructed concerning last-day events (cf. 2 Thess. 2:3).
Antichrist.
Literally, “the antichrist.” Important textual evidence may also be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of the article. The word “antichrist” is a transliteration of the Greek antichristos, a name formed from anti, “against,” or “instead of,” and christos, “Christ.” The word may therefore mean one who opposes Christ, or one who claims to take the place of Christ, or one who combines both these functions. The title vice-Christ, or vicegerent of Christ, would convey a similar idea when used of one who falsely claims to be vested with Christ’s authority.
The name “antichrist” is used in the NT only by the apostle John (here, and in 1 John 2:22; 4:3; 2 John 7), but he gives no definite clue for identifying any specific person, persons, or organization. He assumes that his readers are already acquainted with “antichrist,” that they expect his coming, and that they believe his appearing indicates the nearness of the last days. John doubtless thought of such heresies as the contemporary Docetic and Cerinthian forms of Gnosticism (see Vols. VI, pp. 54-58; VII, pp. 625, 626; see on 1 John 2:22; 2 John 7).
It is well to remember that the original “antichrist” is Satan, who has opposed Christ through various human agencies. Long ages before man was created Satan sought to displace Christ (see on Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12, 13), and ever since has inspired all opposition to God and His Son Jesus Christ (cf. on 2 Thess. 2:8, 9).
Shall come.
Literally, “cometh,” or “is about to come” (cf. on John 14:3). The form of the verb stresses the certainty of an event that was still future when the believers first heard about it. John goes on to explain that the prophecy concerning the coming of “antichrist” is in process of fulfillment as he writes.
Are there.
Literally, “have come to be,” or “have arisen.”
Many antichrists.
The plural indicates that John did not have any one particular manifestation in mind, but classed all heretical opponents of truth as “antichrists.” Although Christianity was yet in its infancy, various false teachings had already gained ground and were making inroads on the young church (see Vol. VI, pp. 52-59).
Whereby we know.
Lamentable though apostasy be, John sees it as a sign of the approaching end and warns his readers accordingly.
The last time.
Literally, “a last hour.” Absence of the definite article in the Greek often stresses quality and may, as here, indicate the uniqueness of an event. John is speaking of the one and only “last hour.”
Mention of this final hour follows naturally the thought of v. 17. Consideration of the transitory nature of “the world ... and the lust thereof” brings the reader face to face with thoughts of the end of earthly things, with the arrival of the “last hour,” and with the appearing of the Saviour (v. 28; cf. ch. 3:2).
The implication of the apostle’s words needs to be studied against the circumstances in which they were given. The writer had lived with Jesus, had heard of His return from His own lips. Now old, he was living amid the political and social turmoils of the Roman world, and it was natural that his mind should be filled with the hope of personally seeing his Lord’s return. He wished to share that hope with others. All other events were of secondary importance, compared with the prospect of that longed-for reunion. Compare John 14:1-3; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
It should be remembered that the chief concern of the Bible writers was spiritual rather than chronological, that they sought to prepare their readers to meet Jesus, not to provide them chronological data on the last days (cf. on Acts 1:6, 7). John’s message had the immediate value of encouraging his fellow Christians to live in anticipation of Christ’s soon return. It stimulated them to live, as all Christians should, as if each day were their last. The solemn pronouncement, “It is the last time,” would also stir the believers to more fervent witness, by which Christ’s advent would be hastened. See Additional Note on Rom. 13; see on Matt. 24:34; Rom. 13:11; 2 Peter 3:12; Rev. 1:1.