1 John 2:12.— In this and the two following verses, St. John affectionately addresses Christians of various ages or standings in the church; children, or young converts; young men, or those who were more established in the faith; and fathers, or those who were the most confirmed in the divine life. He then cautions them against the love of this world, and enforces the caution with three arguments, shewing, first, that the love of God and the love of this world are inconsistent; secondly, that this world will soon pass away; thirdly, that the rewards of sincere piety will be eternal 1 John 2:15-17. After which he advises the Christians to be upon their guard against the deceivers, who then appeared in great numbers, and points out to them the many advantages which they had for knowing the truth; and the many obligations which they are under to adhere to it, and to practise accordingly: 1 John 2:18-28.
I write unto you, little children— "These things I say unto you, and they are of universal concern; I hope therefore you will attend to them, and improve them for your own advantage. I write unto you, little children, among the rest, to guard the least and weakest of you against sin; because by his name, even the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who has made an atonement for them, your sins are forgiven you, and I am very solicitous that you may make all due return for so inestimable a favour, as a pardon purchased at the expence of such sacred Blood." As they probably had been but lately converted to the Christian faith, St. John, with the greatest propriety, takes notice of their sins having been forgiven them because of Christ's name; whereby it was insinuated, that if they would not have that forgiveness cancelled, but desired a final justification at the great day, they must not hearken to the deceivers, who were endeavouring to corrupt them, See ch. 1 John 5:13.