1 John 2:18-27 What John Said About the "Last Hour" and the Antichrists

Don't Fall for the Antichrist Hype: Why the Bible's "Last Hour" Matters More Than Predicting a Villain

If you've spent any time watching Christian movies, reading end-times novels, or even listening to some pastors, you've probably heard a lot about "the Antichrist." It's often portrayed as one big, bad guy, a single person we need to be constantly watching out for, whose arrival will signal that "the end" is finally here. This idea is everywhere, from blockbuster thrillers to hushed conversations in church hallways.

But here's the thing: this popular picture of the Antichrist, as a lone super-villain who kicks off the "end times," often misses the mark on what the Bible actually says. In reality, the New Testament's teaching on the "last hour" and "antichrists" is much broader and, frankly, more practical for us today.

The problem with fixating on one future, ultimate Antichrist is that it can lead regular, everyday Christians down some unhelpful paths. We might spend our time anxiously scanning the news for a specific political leader or world figure, constantly trying to "identify" him. This kind of speculation can cause unnecessary fear, distract us from living out our faith right now, and even make us wary of people who don't fit our mold of a "good" Christian. It can also make us blind to the subtle ways "antichrist" ideas are already at work in the world, trying to pull us away from Jesus.

Instead of looking for one person to arrive, the Bible points us to something much more immediate and ongoing. It tells us that the "last hour" isn't a vague future event, but a present reality that started with Jesus. And when it talks about "antichrists," it's not just about one distant villain, but about real challenges and deceptions that were already happening in the early church, and continue today. Understanding this changes everything about how we live our faith.

Setting the Scene for 1 John: What John Said About the "Last Hour", the Antichrists & Anointing

Today, we're diving into 1 John 2:18-27, a powerful message from the Bible. John, the guy who wrote this, talks about living in the "last hour." Now, he's not giving us a date for the end of the world. Instead, he's saying that ever since Jesus came, died, and rose again, we've been in a crucial time. Think of it like the final innings of a baseball game – things are heating up, and it's becoming really clear who's on the team and who isn't, and what's true about Jesus versus what's fake.

John also gives us a heads-up about "antichrists." You might picture one super-evil dude, but John actually says there are many antichrists. He's talking about folks who might even be in our own churches but have turned away from the basic truth about Jesus – that he was fully God and fully human. They deny who Jesus really is, and their leaving shows their real loyalties.

God's Protection: The Anointing – Or Is It the Holy Spirit?

Here's the good news: if you're genuinely following Jesus, you're not left to figure things out on your own. Now, when you read 1 John 2:20, different Bibles might phrase it slightly differently, and it's worth a quick look.

For example, the New Living Translation (NLT) might say something like, "But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don't need anyone to teach you what is true." It focuses directly on the Holy Spirit being given.

On the other hand, a version like the English Standard Version (ESV) reads, "But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge." And other versions, like the King James, stick with "anointing."

So, which is it? Is it about getting the Holy Spirit, or about being "anointed"? Well, it's actually both! The Greek word John uses for "anointing" (χρίσμα, chrisma) directly refers to the act of being anointed, and in this context, that anointing is the Holy Spirit. John isn't talking about literally rubbing oil on someone here. He's using the ancient, powerful idea of anointing to describe the gift of the Holy Spirit living inside believers.

Think of it like this: the Holy Spirit is the gift, and being "anointed" is the powerful effect of receiving that gift. It's like having a built-in GPS or a wise mentor inside you. This Holy Spirit teaches you what's right and helps you see through lies. Jesus promised this when he said the Holy Spirit would teach us everything we need to know. This isn't just a warm fuzzy feeling; it's the Spirit actively working in you, helping you stick close to Jesus and his teachings.

Now, about that line, "you don't need anyone to teach you." Does this mean we should all quit going to church, stop listening to pastors, and toss out all the Bible study guides? Absolutely not! John himself, who wrote this letter, was a teacher! The early church had apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers – all for building up believers.

So what's John really saying here? He's addressing a very specific problem: those "antichrists" he just warned about. These were people claiming to have some secret, special knowledge about Jesus, trying to pull people away from the basic truths they had been taught from the beginning. They were essentially saying, "You need us to tell you the real truth."

John's point is this: You don't need them (the false teachers) to tell you the truth, because the Holy Spirit, your Anointing, already lives inside you and teaches you the foundational truth about Jesus. You have direct access to God's truth through the Spirit, so you're not dependent on some self-proclaimed guru or "enlightened" leader who wants to twist what you already know about Christ. It's about having an internal compass for truth, not about being exempt from learning or wise counsel. (I call it The Holy Spirit Common Sense!)

This idea of "anointing" is actually pretty loaded with history and meaning, going way back through the Bible and even into Roman and Greek cultures. If you're curious about why John used this specific word, and what it really meant for those early Christians (and for us!), let's take a quick detour...

Rabbit Trail: What's the Big Deal with "Anointing," Anyway?

John tells us we've got this "anointing" from God. If you're like me, you might hear "anointing" and think of someone getting smeared with oil in a church service. But back in John's day, and even way before that, it was a much bigger deal. Let's dig into what this word really meant to folks then, from the kings of Israel to the Roman emperors, and how it landed with those early Christians.

Grease, Power, and Purpose: Anointing in the Ancient World

First, forget the fancy church stuff for a minute. At its most basic, anointing was about rubbing oil on someone or something. But it wasn't just for cleaning or moisturizing. This oil, often olive oil, was special.

In the Old Testament (Old School Anointing):

• Setting Things Apart for God: Way back, God told Moses to anoint the Tabernacle (their portable place of worship), the ark, and all the tools. This wasn't just a polish; it was a way of saying, "This stuff is now holy, set apart for God's use." Think of it like a special stamp that said, "Property of God."

  
  

• Priests and Kings: This is where it gets really interesting. When priests were set apart for their service, they were anointed. When kings like Saul and David were chosen by God, prophets like Samuel literally poured oil on their heads. This was a very public, very clear sign. It meant:

  • Divine Appointment: God Himself chose this person. It wasn't just a vote; it was a divine stamp of approval.

  • Empowerment: They weren't just given a job title; they were given God's power and authority to do the job. It was like God saying, "I'm with you on this, and I'm equipping you."

  • Responsibility: It also came with a heavy weight. They were accountable to God for how they led His people.

    
    

• The Messiah - The "Anointed One": The most important anointing of all was for the "Messiah." In Hebrew, "Messiah" literally means "Anointed One." The Jewish people were always looking for this special Anointed King, Priest, and Prophet that God would send to rescue them. Jesus, of course, is the Messiah, the ultimate Anointed One, set apart by God for the biggest job in history: saving humanity.

Greek and Roman Anointing (A Different Flavor):

Now, if you were a Gentile (non-Jewish) convert in the Roman Empire, you also understood "anointing," but maybe a bit differently.

• Athletes and Soldiers: Greeks and Romans would anoint their bodies with oil before athletic contests or battles. This wasn't necessarily religious, but it had a purpose: it might symbolize preparation, strength, or readiness for a challenge. It was about getting ready for performance.

• Medical Uses: Oil was also used for healing wounds and soothing pains. So, it could also be associated with comfort and restoration.

• Imperial Power (though less direct "anointing"): While Roman emperors weren't typically "anointed with oil" in a religious ceremony like Israelite kings, their power was certainly seen as divinely sanctioned. They were considered almost god-like figures, and their authority came from above. So, the idea of a person being set apart by a higher power for leadership was a familiar concept, even if the ritual was different. For a Roman citizen, hearing about someone "anointed by God" would instantly signal immense authority and special status.

From Kings to Common Folks: Anointing in the New Testament

When we get to the New Testament, the idea of anointing explodes beyond just kings and priests.

• Jesus, the Ultimate Anointed One: Jesus is called the "Christ," which is the Greek word for "Messiah" – the Anointed One. He wasn't anointed with physical oil by a prophet. Instead, he was anointed by the Holy Spirit itself at his baptism. That was his public declaration and empowerment for his mission.

• Healing: The apostles and early believers would sometimes anoint the sick with oil for healing (Mark 6:13, James 5:14). Here, it connected to restoration and God's power for physical well-being.

• You! The Anointed Ones: And then we get to John's letter. He's writing to everyday believers – not just kings, not just priests, not just prophets – but to everyone who follows Jesus. And he says, "You have an anointing from the Holy One." This is revolutionary!

  
  

What did that mean to them, and what does it mean to us?

• Direct Access to God's Truth: Just like ancient prophets and kings were set apart to speak for God and lead His people, now every believer has the Holy Spirit guiding them. You don't need a middleman to understand the core truths about Jesus. The Spirit in you teaches you.

• Spiritual Discernment: In a world full of lies and false teachers (those "antichrists" John warned about), this anointing gives you the ability to tell right from wrong, truth from deception. It's like having a built-in lie detector for spiritual matters.

• Empowerment for Living: It's not just about knowing stuff; it's about being empowered to live out your faith. To stand firm, to resist error, to truly "abide" in Jesus (which means staying connected to him like a branch to a vine).

• Your Royal Priesthood: This teaching reminds us of Peter's words: we are a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9). Just as Old Testament priests were anointed, now, through Christ, every believer shares in a priestly role, able to draw near to God.

So, when John tells his friends they have this "anointing," he's not just using a nice religious word. He's telling them they are directly connected to God, empowered by His Spirit, and equipped with everything they need to navigate a world full of spiritual challenges. It's a statement of profound dignity, responsibility, and assurance, reminding them that they are indeed "set apart" by God Himself.

There's more to this STUDY GUIDE

BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:

• Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)

• A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)

• Modern Day Application Ideas

Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!

Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss

• John links the "last hour" to having "many antichrists" around. How does thinking of the "last hour" as right now change how you see problems in the church or the world today?

  
  

• The Holy Spirit helps us avoid being fooled. What are some real, everyday ways you can lean on the Holy Spirit to tell right from wrong in today's complicated world?

  
  

• John tells us to hold onto what we've known from the beginning. What are the most important, basic truths about Jesus that you believe you need to cling to?

Journey Group Discussion Starter

Think about a time when you or someone you know heard something that messed with what you understood about Jesus. How did the Holy Spirit (or not listening to Him) help or hurt in figuring out the truth in that situation?

Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)

Modern-Day Application:

In a world drowning in information and conflicting stories, John's words are incredibly sharp and timely for us:

1. Live like it's the "last hour." This means living with purpose and knowing that Jesus's coming has completely changed history.

   
   

2. Guard against false teachings. Be firmly rooted in the core truths of the Gospel. This isn't just about skimming your Bible; it's about truly knowing what it says about Jesus – who he is, his divine nature, his human nature, and what he did to save us.

   
   

3. Lean into the Holy Spirit's anointing. This isn't just sitting back and waiting; it's an active partnership. Spend time in prayer, really thinking about what the Bible says, and connecting with other Christians. Allow the Spirit to show you what's true and expose what's false. Don't let someone else do your spiritual thinking for you; instead, build a deep, personal reliance on the Spirit's guidance. Abiding in Christ means staying connected to him, drawing life and truth directly from the source.
   

Remember: John's message ultimately brings comfort and assurance to those who stay faithful. The truth will always win, and those who genuinely belong to God will be protected.

RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN

Feeling like you need a reliable compass for this "last hour" journey? Our Journey Groups are like having a team of seasoned navigators and a really good map (the Bible!) to help you find your way. Don't wander aimlessly; find your crew! If you want to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn about starting one, head over to yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups.

And as a free gift, we'd love for you to download our "Daily Dose of Discernment" guide – a quick and easy tool to help you hear from God every day. You can grab it right on our website! Your spiritual adventure awaits!

Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!

You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.

To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.

There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!

EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE

From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇

For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!

As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.

Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.

There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.

We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!