2 John 1
The second epistle of John is a brief letter written by "the elder," generally believed to be the Apostle John. Addressed to a lady, symbolically representing a church or an individual, and her children, it warns against false teachings and emphasizes the need for love and obedience to God’s commandments.
2 John 1:1-2 (NKJV)
The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
John introduces himself as "the elder," a term of both authority and affection. The “elect lady” likely represents a local church, and her “children” are its members. John expresses his deep love for them in truth, which highlights the genuine nature of their faith in Christ. His love is shared by others who know the truth because this truth — the gospel of Jesus — binds believers together and will remain with them forever.
2 John 1:3 (NKJV)
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
John begins with a blessing, wishing the recipients grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. These blessings are experienced in the truth of the gospel and the love that believers share. The pairing of truth and love emphasizes the balance required in Christian living—holding fast to doctrinal truth while also showing love.
2 John 1:4 (NKJV)
I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.
John is filled with joy because he has found that some of the lady’s children — likely members of her congregation — are living in obedience to the truth. This obedience is a reflection of God’s commandment, showing that they are faithfully walking in the teachings they have received. John’s joy reflects the importance of ongoing faithfulness in the lives of believers.
2 John 1:5-6 (NKJV)
And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
John urges the recipients to continue in the commandment to love one another, a teaching they have known from the beginning. He emphasizes that true love is expressed in obedience to God’s commandments. Walking in love means living in accordance with God’s will, and this commandment is timeless — it has been with them since the start of their faith journey.
2 John 1:7 (NKJV)
For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
John warns about false teachers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. These deceivers spread dangerous doctrines that undermine the truth of Christ’s incarnation, making them antichrists. This verse emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine in protecting the church from heresies that could lead believers astray.
2 John 1:8 (NKJV)
Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
John urges vigilance among the believers, reminding them to guard their faith and not lose the progress they have made. Their efforts to live righteously and remain in the truth must not be in vain, and by staying faithful, they will receive the full reward of eternal life.
2 John 1:9 (NKJV)
Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
Here, John stresses the importance of holding onto the correct teaching of Christ. Anyone who strays from this teaching is disconnected from God, whereas those who remain steadfast in Christ’s doctrine have fellowship with both the Father and the Son. The essential truth of Jesus’ divine and human nature is central to maintaining this relationship with God.
2 John 1:10-11 (NKJV)
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
John advises the believers to avoid welcoming or supporting anyone who teaches false doctrine. Offering hospitality to such individuals would make them complicit in spreading their heresy. This verse highlights the need for discernment in the Christian community and the importance of safeguarding the truth.
2 John 1:12-13 (NKJV)
Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
John closes the letter by expressing his desire to meet the recipients in person, as personal interaction would bring fuller joy than writing could. He conveys greetings from the "elect sister," likely a reference to another church, further emphasizing the unity and connection between different congregations in the faith.