“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”
My Notes
What Does 1 John 2:27 Mean?
John assures believers that the anointing they received from Christ abides in them — permanently, actively, teaching them. The anointing is the Holy Spirit, and his presence is both ongoing and sufficient.
"Ye need not that any man teach you" — this does not negate human teachers (John himself is teaching by writing this). It means the anointing is the primary teacher. You are not dependent on human instruction alone. The Spirit teaches from within.
"The same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie" — the anointing's teaching is comprehensive (all things), truthful (is truth), and reliable (no lie). The internal teacher does not deceive.
"Even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him" — the anointing has already been teaching. The instruction is not future. It has been active since the anointing was received. And the result of the teaching is abiding — remaining in Christ.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does the internal anointing function alongside external teachers?
- 2.What does 'teacheth you of all things' mean for the sufficiency of the Spirit's guidance?
- 3.How does knowing the anointing 'is truth and is no lie' give confidence in spiritual discernment?
- 4.Are you listening to the teacher who abides in you — or primarily to external voices?
Devotional
The anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you. The anointing — the Holy Spirit — is in you. Not visiting. Abiding. Permanently resident. The teacher lives inside the student.
Ye need not that any man teach you. Not that human teachers are unnecessary — John is teaching by writing this letter. But the primary teacher is internal. You are not dependent on external instruction alone. The Spirit teaches from within.
The same anointing teacheth you of all things. All things. Not some spiritual topics. All things — everything you need to know for life and godliness. The anointing is comprehensive in its curriculum.
And is truth, and is no lie. The internal teacher does not deceive. What the Spirit teaches is truth — reliable, honest, without mixture. The anointing and lying are incompatible.
Ye shall abide in him. The teaching produces abiding. The Spirit's instruction does not just inform you. It connects you — deepens your attachment to Christ, strengthens your remaining, makes the abiding possible.
You have a teacher inside you. The most reliable, comprehensive, truthful teacher available — and he is not at a distance. He is abiding in you. The question is not whether the teaching is available. It is whether you are listening to the teacher who lives inside.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
But the anointing which ye have received of him,.... The Spirit, and the grace of the Spirit, which they had received…
But the anointing which ye have received of him - See the notes at 1Jo 2:20. Abideth in you - The meaning is, that the…
But the anointing which ye have received - That ointment, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, mentioned Jo1 2:20 (note).
Ye…
Here, I. The apostle encourages the disciples (to whom he writes) in these dangerous times, in this hour of seducers; he…
The Place of Safety; Christ
27. But the anointing which ye have received As in 1Jn 2:2, we have the false and the true…
Cross References
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