Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 John 3:7

"[My] little children, let no man lead you astray: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous:" — 1 John 3:7 (ASV)

The warning “do not let anyone lead you astray” appears to have been directed against the false teachers in the community. The author, by using the address “dear children” , places his own position in the community on the line.