1 John 2:28

“And now, little children, abide in him, &c.] The apostle having finished his separate instructions exhortations to the fathers, young men and children, returns to the whole body of the saints in general, whom he addresses, as in (<620201>1 John 2:1,12); under the name of little children; (see Gill on “<620201>1 John 2:1”); and whom he exhorts to abide in Christ, that is, in the exercise of faith on him, of hope in him, and love to him; and to hold to him the head, and to hold fast his word and Gospel, and abide by his truth and ordinances, and adhere to his cause and interest, and not to be moved away on any consideration; to which the following encouragement is given: that when he shall…”

“little children--Greek, "little sons," as in Jo1 2:12; believers of every stage and age. abide in him--Christ. John repeats his monition with a loving appellation, as a father addressing dear children. when--literally, "if"; the uncertainty is not as to the fact, but the time. appear--Greek, "be manifested." we--both writer and readers. ashamed before him--literally, "from Him"; shrink back from Him ashamed. Contrast "boldness in the day of judgment," Jo1 4:17; compare Jo1 3:21; Jo1 5:14. In the Apocalypse (written, therefore, BENGEL thinks, subsequently), Christ's coming is represented as put off to a greater distance.”

“And now, little children - See the notes at 1 John 2:1. Abide in him; that, when he shall appear - In the end of the world, to receive his people to himself. See the notes at John 14:2-3. We may have confidence - Greek, boldness - παῤῥησίαν parrēsian. This word is commonly used to denote openness, plainness, or boldness in speaking, Mark 8:32; John 7:4, John 7:13, John 7:26; Acts 2:29; Acts 4:13, Acts 4:29; 2Co 3:12; 2 Corinthians 7:4. Here it means the kind of boldness, or calm assurance, which arises from evidence of piety, and of preparation for heaven. It means that they would not be overwhelmed and confounded at the coming of the Saviour, by its being then found that all their hopes…”

“And now, beloved children - Having finished his address to each, he now returns to all in general. Abide in him, that we - A modest expression. May not be ashamed before him at his coming - O how will ye, Jews, Socinians, nominal Christians, be ashamed in that day! 1 John 2:29”

“2:28-29 To remain in fellowship with Christ means, in part, not being misled by any kind of false teaching. If John’s readers listen to the false teachers, they will not be in fellowship with Christ and will have reason to shrink back from him in shame when he returns, because of the judgment coming upon them.”

“little: Jo1 2:1 when: Jo1 3:2; Mar 8:38; Col 3:4; Ti1 6:14; Ti2 4:8; Tit 2:13; Heb 9:28; Pe1 1:7, Pe1 5:4; Rev 1:7 have: Jo1 3:21, Jo1 4:17; Isa 25:9, Isa 45:17; Rom 9:33 at his: Mal 3:2, Mal 4:5; Co1 1:7, Co1 15:23; Th1 3:13, Th1 5:23; Pe2 3:4-12 1 John 2:29”