1 John 2:14

“I have written unto you, fathers, &c.] This, with the reason annexed to it, is repeated, to raise the attention of the aged servants of Christ, and to quicken them to a discharge of their duty, who are apt to abate in their zeal, to grow lukewarm and indifferent, to cleave to the world, and to the things of it, which they are cautioned against in (<620215>1 John 2:15). The whole of this, with the reason, because ye have known him [that is] from the beginning, is left out in the Vulgate Latin version, and Complutensian edition. I have written unto you, young men; this repetition to them, with some additions, is also made, to stir them up the more to love the saints, who are too apt to be…”

“young men . . . strong--made so out of natural weakness, hence enabled to overcome "the strong man armed" through Him that is "stronger." Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. This term "overcome" is peculiarly John's, adopted from his loved Lord. It occurs sixteen times in the Apocalypse, six times in the First Epistle, only thrice in the rest of the New Testament. In order to overcome the world on the ground, and in the strength, of the blood of the Saviour, we must be willing, like Christ, to part with whatever of the world belongs to us: whence immediately after "ye have overcome the wicked one (the prince of the world)," it is added, "Love not the world, neither the things . .…”

“I have written unto you, fathers, because ... - The reason assigned here for writing to fathers is the same which is given in the previous verse. It would seem that, in respect to them, the apostle regarded this as a sufficient reason for writing to them, and only meant to enforce it by repeating it. The fact that they had through many years been acquainted with the doctrines and duties of the true religion, seemed to him a sufficient reason for writing to them, and for exhorting them to a steadfast adherence to those principles and duties. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong ... - The two additional circumstances which he here mentions as reasons for writing to young…”

“I have written to you, fathers - As if he had said, Observe well what I but now wrote. He speaks very briefly and modestly to these, who needed not much to be said to them, as having that deep acquaintance with God which comprises all necessary knowledge. Young men, ye are strong - In faith. And the word of God abideth in you - Deeply rooted in your hearts, whereby ye have often foiled your great adversary. 1 John 2:15”

“fathers: Jo1 2:13 because ye are: Eph 6:10; Phi 4:13; Col 1:11; Ti2 2:1 the word: Psa 119:11; Joh 5:38, Joh 8:31, Joh 15:7; Col 3:16; Heb 8:10; Jo2 1:2; Jo3 1:3 ye have overcome: Rev. 2:7-3:22 1 John 2:15”