Christians, intimidated by the new teaching, have become vulnerable. They need instruction. So John says, “I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.” Earlier, in verse 20, he had made clear what he had in mind: “But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.” We then have a second principle of biblical interpretation: the essence