John was an elderly man and their leader. He used this expression to show his love for them. See how you translated this in [1 John 2:1](../02/01.md). Alternate translation: "you who are as dear to me as my own children" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
The phrase "the last hour" refers to the time just before Jesus returns. Alternate translation: "Jesus will return soon" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])