Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 2:28

"And now, [my] little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." — 1 John 2:28 (ASV)

This verse makes the transition from con cern about false teachers to concern for the children of God. It joins the admonition developed in the previous paragraph to the “confidence” (GK 4244) and unashamedness that should belong to God’s children when Christ appears. “Confidence” is one of John’s favorite words to describe the freedom and boldness that belong to the Christian before God in prayer (3:21; 5:14; cf. Hebrews 4:16; 10:19) and at Christ’s coming.

“Coming” (parousia; GK 4242; see comment on 1 Thessalonians 2:19) occurs only here in 1 John and not at all in John’s gospel. Combined with “when he appears,” this is a technical term referring to Jesus’ second coming in visible splendor, a teaching that the author held in common with other early Christians. Historically this word was used to describe the festivities attendant on a monarch’s arriving for a state visit. The early Christians anticipated the Lord’s return as being no less joyous and majestic.