John 2:18-19, the apostle John writes:
"Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us." (1 John 2:18-19, NKJV)
This passage addresses two key points regarding the concept of "antichrist":
The Future Antichrist: John acknowledges that his readers had heard about a singular, prominent "Antichrist" who would come. This aligns with prophecies found elsewhere in Scripture, such as in Daniel 7, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10, and Revelation, which describe a final figure who opposes Yah and exalts himself against Yahusha.
The Present Reality of Antichrists: John points out that even during his time, "many antichrists" had already come. He defines these antichrists as individuals who deny Yahusha as the Messiah (1 John 2:22) and work against the truth. These individuals are not merely future figures but are a present reality, emphasizing that the spirit of antichrist is already active in the world.
Does this negate the idea of a future Antichrist?
No, it does not negate the idea of a future Antichrist. John distinguishes between the "Antichrist" his audience has heard about (a future figure) and the "many antichrists" who are already present. His statement highlights that the spirit of antichrist, characterized by deception and opposition to Yahusha, is already at work in the world. This is consistent with Paul's teaching in 2 Thessalonians 2, where the "mystery of lawlessness" is already at work but will culminate in the revelation of the "man of sin" (a singular Antichrist figure) in the future.
Why does John focus on the "many antichrists"?
John emphasizes the "many antichrists" to warn believers of the immediate danger. These individuals were once part of the community but departed, revealing their true nature. Their presence serves as evidence of the "last hour," a term indicating the era between Yahusha's ascension and His return. This warning was practical for John's readers, who needed to be on guard against false teachers and deception in their midst.
Conclusion
John's statement acknowledges both realities: there are antichrists already present, working against the truth, and there is still a future Antichrist figure who will come. The passage does not deny a future Antichrist but rather warns believers that the spirit of antichrist is an ongoing threat, both in John's time and in the future.
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