The Antichrist (v18, 22-23) who John speaks about is this evil character who comes at the end of time. This idea was prevalent in Jewish thinking from the days of Daniel (Daniel 11 v31-32; 12 v11). This was partially fulfilled in the evil Greek leader Antiochus Epiphanes who conquered Jerusalem in 168 BC.

Jesus spoke of many false Christs and false prophets who would appear (Mark 13 v22-23). Paul spoke of the man of sin who would appear to take upon himself honour due to God alone (2 Thess. 2 v3-4). John though is the only writer who uses the term ‘antichrist’ (1 John 2 v18 & 22; 4 v3; 2 John v7).

Antichrist literally means some who ‘is the opposite of’ or who stands ‘instead of’ Christ. This person opposes Christ by taking upon himself honour and status which is due to God alone. The antichrist particularly opposes Jesus (v22-23) and denies His divinity.

John also speaks of the Antichrists plural (v19, 26). They left the church (v19) which said more about them than it did the church. The problem is that before they left they could have done a lot of harm with their false teaching.

Within the church we always have to be careful of being deceived by false teaching (v26). False teachers often present themselves as being more clever and more spiritual than others in the church. Pray that those who teach God’s word are faithful to it, and that they draw you closer to Christ.