Definition: Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 John 2:18. It’s a really important message about warnings and understanding the future. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “We need to be very careful because the future holds something that doesn’t look like what we expect.” Let’s unpack it word by word: "Little children..." : This refers to those who are young and new in their understanding of God. It's addressing people who are still learning about faith. "...it is the last time." : This is the core of the message. “Last time” means this is the last time this specific thing happens. It’s a warning about something that will come in the future. Now, let's look at what it means in context: The Bible often uses metaphors to talk about the future. In this verse, John is comparing the "antichrist" (a person who opposes Christ) to something that already exists – but isn’t quite what we think it will be. He's saying: “We know this because we’ve heard stories and seen hints of a future person who will oppose Jesus.” What is the "Antichrist"? The term "antichrist" comes from the Greek word meaning "opposite." In this context, John isn’t talking about one single person. He's referring to a system or group of people and ideas that will actively work against Christ’s teachings and mission. He likely refers to a figure who is a challenge to Jesus’s authority and message. Why is this warning important? We Need to Be Vigilant: The verse urges us to be watchful and alert. We need to understand what's coming so we can stay true to God's plan. Don’t Get Distracted: John isn’t saying everything will be bad. He’s saying that there are some people or influences that will actively oppose Christ, and we should be careful not to fall into those traps. Focus on God's Truth: It’s a reminder to stay focused on the true message of Jesus – love, forgiveness, and salvation. In short, this verse is a gentle but serious warning about the potential for opposition to Christ in the future. It's a call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and resist those who would try to undermine God’s work. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you more examples from the Bible?