1 John 2:26 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

These things have I written, &c.— By these things some understand all that is said from 1 John 2:18 to this place; others understand this whole epistle. If some of the Christians to whom St. John wrote had been seduced, then by you, in this verse, the apostle might mean some of you: but it is generally thought, that by those who deceive you, he meant those who endeavour to deceive you. There are many passages, both in sacred and profane authors, in which a person is said to do a thing which he attempts. St. John thought it a possible thing for them to be deceived, and to fall away: and therefore he wrote to prevent the impostors succeeding in their attempts. It is the part of good shepherds, not only to gather together their flocks at night, but prevent their going astray by day; and not only to feed them in good pastures, but to drive away the wolves. They are to teach the people the pure doctrine of Christ, and likewise to guard them against the errors, arts, and delusions of false teachers.