9a

Anyone who runs ahead: (Metaphor) The topic of this metaphor is anyone who is not content with the teaching of Christ and therefore adds his own teaching to it. When someone does this he will begin to ignore the teaching of Christ.

9b

the teaching of Christ: (Alternative Interpretations) There are two ways of interpreting this “of” phrase:

(1) It probably means “the things that Christ taught.”

(2) It may mean “the things we have been taught about Christ.”

9c

have God: (Meaning) As in 1 John 2:23b this refers to a Christian’s close relationship and union with God. Its meaning is similar to the phrase, “in God.” See the note on 1 John 2:5c “in Him.”

9e

the Father and the Son: (Translation) In your translation it may be necessary to expand this phrase to make it clear that it is referring to God the Father and God’s Son.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.