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‏ 2 John

Salutation.

In this passage, John begins his letter with a greeting, which was a customary way to start ancient letters. However, as a follower of Christ, John transforms a simple greeting into a rich blessing filled with Christian love, truth, and encouragement. This letter is addressed to a noble Christian woman and her children, highlighting their faithfulness and the importance of walking in God’s truth.

v. 1: John introduces himself as The elder, reflecting his role as a respected leader and possibly the oldest living apostle at the time. He writes to the elect lady and her children, a woman of high status and her family, who are known for their faith and godly living. John emphasizes his love for them, saying, Whom I love in the truth. This love is not only from him but also from all believers who know the truth. Their faithfulness to God’s truth makes them admirable and beloved by the Christian community.

v. 2: John explains that his love for this family is not based on worldly reasons but for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever. Their commitment to living in God’s truth is what inspires love and respect. True Christianity is not temporary but remains in the hearts and lives of believers forever.

v. 3: John offers a blessing: Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love (2 John 1:3 ^a). He prays for God’s grace (favor), mercy (forgiveness), and peace (inner calm) to rest on this family. These blessings come from both God the Father and Jesus Christ, who is described as the Son of the Father, emphasizing his divine nature and unity with God.

v. 4: John expresses his joy at seeing some of thy children walking in the truth, as we have received commandment from the Father (2 John 1:4 ^b). The children of this lady are living according to God’s Word, and this brings great happiness to John. It highlights the importance of raising children in faith and teaching them to follow God’s commandments. John also reminds us that true Christian living is guided by obedience to God’s Word.

Christian Love

This section focuses on the heart of John’s message in his letter: the importance of Christian love. John reminds his readers that loving one another is not a new command but something believers have been taught from the very beginning. This love is shown by obeying God’s commands, and it is essential for all Christians to continue walking in this love as they follow Christ.

v. 5: John gently asks the lady and her children to love one another. He says, “Now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another”(2 John 1:5 ^c). This is not a new idea but a command that Jesus gave from the beginning of the gospel (see also John 13:34 ^d). John chooses to ask in a kind way, not giving a strict order but encouraging her with love, showing that Christian leaders should lead with gentleness.

v. 6: John explains what real love is: “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it”(2 John 1:6 ^e). To truly love is to obey God’s commands in our daily lives. Love is not just a feeling, but it is shown by how we act and how we follow the teachings of Jesus. Obeying God is proof of our love for Him and for each other. This commandment to walk in love has always been part of the Christian faith, and John urges believers to continue living in this way.

Deceivers Condemned.

In this part of the letter, John warns about false teachers who spread lies about Jesus Christ. He also gives advice to the Christian community on how to stay strong in their faith and remain true to the teachings of Christ. He emphasizes the importance of holding on to the truth, avoiding spiritual losses, and staying united with God through his Son, Jesus.

v. 7: John reports the troubling news that many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (2 John 1:7 ^f). These false teachers deny that Jesus is the promised Messiah who came in human form. Such a denial is a serious error, and John describes them as deceivers and antichrists. These individuals mislead others and oppose the glory and kingdom of Christ. Their actions are harmful to the faith and love that believers share in Christ.

v. 8: John gives a warning: Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward (2 John 1:8 ^g). Believers must be careful to protect the progress they have made in their faith. Losing faith or falling into error could lead to a loss of spiritual rewards. John encourages them to remain strong so they can receive the full blessings and rewards that God has promised to those who are faithful until the end (Revelation 3:11 ^h).

v. 9: John explains the danger of rejecting Christ’s teachings: Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God . To abandon the teachings of Christ is to abandon God himself, as Christ’s doctrine is the way to know and follow God. On the other hand, he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. Believers who remain faithful to Christ’s teachings are united with both God the Father and Jesus the Son, experiencing their love, guidance, and fellowship.

Caution against Seducers.

In this passage, John gives strong instructions on how Christians should respond to false teachers. He warns that accepting or supporting those who do not teach the truth about Jesus is dangerous. Christians must be careful not to help or encourage anyone who spreads false ideas about Christ, because doing so makes them part of the problem.

v. 10: John says, If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed (2 John 1:10 ⁱ). If someone comes teaching a message that denies Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, do not welcome them as a Christian teacher or give them your support. This does not mean refusing basic help to someone in need, but it does mean not encouraging them in spreading false teaching. Christians, even those in leadership or with influence, should understand the importance of this caution.

v. 11: John explains, For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds (2 John 1:11 ^j). If you support or encourage a false teacher, you share in the harm they do. This can happen in many ways, like staying silent, giving money, showing approval, or defending them. Christians must be wise and careful not to share in the sins of others.

Conclusion and Salutation.

John ends his letter with warm and personal words. He expresses his hope to visit and talk in person, because some things are better discussed face to face than written in a letter. He also shares greetings from another Christian family, showing the close relationships among believers. These final words encourage Christian friendship, fellowship, and joy.

v. 12: John writes, Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full (2 John 1:12 ^k). Although he has much more to say, he prefers to visit and speak in person. Meeting together brings greater joy and understanding for both John and his Christian friends (Romans 1:12 ^l).

v. 13: John adds, The children of thy elect sister greet thee (2 John 1:13 ^m). He sends greetings from another Christian family, possibly the lady’s sister and her children. This shows how Christian families can encourage and bless each other. It is a reminder of the joy and fellowship found among those who follow Jesus.