2:18-19 Who are the antichrists referred to here?
2:18-19 Who are the antichrists referred to here?
These antichrists are false teachers who have departed doctrinally from the church's position concerning the person of Christ.
They are not true believers, and expose themselves to the community of believers as antichrists when they cease fellowshipping and speak against Christ (cp 1Jn 2:22-23; 4:3; 2Jn 7:1 all).
These false teachers are imbued with the spirit of the antichrist who is yet to come. (For a more detailed study on the antichrist see comments on 2Th 1:7-10, 2:1-3).