For false christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray [even] the elect, if possible.
1 John 2:26 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition) I have written these things to you people concerning those who are trying to lead you astray [from the truth]. More versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 1769 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. Amplified Bible - Classic Edition I write this to you with reference to those who would deceive you [seduce and lead you astray]. American Standard Version (1901) These things have I written unto you concerning them that would lead you astray. Common English Bible I write these things to you about those who are attempting to deceive you. Catholic Public Domain Version I have written these things to you, because of those who would seduce you. Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version These things have I written to you, concerning them that seduce you. |
For false christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray [even] the elect, if possible.
Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason.
Pay attention so that no one takes you [spiritually] captive through his philosophy and empty deception based on human tradition, according to the principles of the world and not according to Christ.
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.
But evil people and impostors will go from bad to worse [in their behavior], deceiving people and being deceived by them.
Little children [i.e., dear ones], do not allow anyone to lead you astray [from the truth]; the person who continues to do what is right is [considered by God as] righteous, even as Christ is righteous.
For many deceivers have begun circulating in the world; they are those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come [to earth] in a physical body. Such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist [See I John 2:18f].