The “anointing” is no doubt the Holy Spirit since, according to verse 27, the anointing “teaches.” This clearly suggests that the “anointing” is conceived of as a Person. Jesus Himself was “anointed” with the Holy Spirit (cf. Acts 10:38). (For the possibility that the term suggests that the church leaders are in view, see the Introduction.) As a result of their “anointing,” the readers (perhaps primarily the church leaders) had adequate instruction in the truth of God. John wrote them precisely because