1 John 2:20 20But you yourselves have an anointing from the Holy One, and you all know.
The emphatic you yourselves (hymeis) compares the Johannine community, the true believers, to the antichrists of the previous two verses, the false believers who left the church. The anointing is implied in the second clause about knowledge. The identity of the Holy One could refer to Jesus (John 6:69) or the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised would come upon his followers (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). The two should not be separated. Jesus revealed true knowledge as the Truth (verse 21; John 14:6). Much new knowledge exists in the world, but it is circular and futile because it chases after hopes and dreams of improving life yet never solves the deep human problems. In many ways, life has improved with this new knowledge, but even with the improvements, downsides always exist. Whatever modern invention we name, there is a cost to it. The accumulation of knowledge itself creates stress in just accessing and keeping it in one’s mind.
John is talking about a different type of knowledge. It is insight into what really matters in our existence: knowing who Jesus is and what he has done for us. Like in the stories of the Old Testament, God has put his presence and seal upon those who have confessed and walk in his light of holy love. This relationship and ethic result in knowing Christ. This knowledge is what the Bible calls “wisdom.” Wisdom is different than accumulating learning facts, gaining new ideas, and recalling memories. It is not dependent upon age, as verses 12-14 indicate. It depends on faith shown through obedience. We must come as humble children and say, “Show me your glory” (Exodus 33:18).