1 John 2:28

From the blessing of the sacred unction the apostle proceeds in his advice and exhortation to constancy in and with Christ: And now, little children, abide in him, Jo1 2:28. The apostle repeats his kind appellation, little children, which I suppose does not so much denote their diminutiveness as his affection, and therefore, I judge, may be rendered dear children. He would persuade by love, and prevail by endearment as well as by reason. "Not only the love of Christ, but the love of you, constrains us to inculcate your perseverance, and that you would abide in him, in the truth relating to his person, and in your union with him and allegiance to him." Evangelical privileges are obligatory to evangelical duties; and those that are anointed by the Lord Jesus are highly obliged to abide with him in opposition to all adversaries whatever. This duty of perseverance and constancy in trying times is strongly urged by the two following considerations: - 1. From the consideration of his return at the great day of account: That when he shall appear we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming, Jo1 2:28. It is here taken for granted that the Lord Jesus will come again. This was part of that truth they had heart from the beginning. And, when he shall come again, he will publicly appear, be manifested to all. When he was here before, he came privately, in comparison.

— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary (public domain)

little children--Greek, "little sons," as in Jo1 2:12; believers of every stage and age. abide in him--Christ. John repeats his monition with a loving appellation, as a father addressing dear children. when--literally, "if"; the uncertainty is not as to the fact, but the time. appear--Greek, "be manifested." we--both writer and readers. ashamed before him--literally, "from Him"; shrink back from Him ashamed. Contrast "boldness in the day of judgment," Jo1 4:17; compare Jo1 3:21; Jo1 5:14. In the Apocalypse (written, therefore, BENGEL thinks, subsequently), Christ's coming is represented as put off to a greater distance.

— Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary (public domain)