Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 2:2

"and he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the whole world." — 1 John 2:2 (ASV)

Our advocate does not maintain our innocence but confesses our guilt. Then he enters his plea before the Father on our behalf as the one who has made “the atoning sacrifice [GK 2662] for our sins” (this word also occurs in 4:10; cf. also Lk 18:13; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 9:5). And his sacrifice is not only for our sins, “but also for the sins of the whole world.” This statement asserts two things: Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient for all, and it is necessary for all.