2 John 1

The book of 2 John is a brief letter that emphasizes the importance of walking in truth and love as foundational principles for Christian life. Addressed by the elder, traditionally understood as the Apostle John, the letter is directed either to a specific chosen lady and her children or metaphorically to a local church and its members. It focuses on the adherence to the teachings of Christ, warning against deceivers, and maintaining love within the community to ensure that the believers continue in God’s grace and blessings.

2 John 1:1-3 (NKJV)
1 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,
2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 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, identifying himself as the Elder, addresses his letter to the elect lady and her children, signifying either a specific woman and her family or a local church community and its members. His love for them is rooted in the shared truth of the gospel that resides in all believers. This truth is enduring, living within them forever. He extends a blessing of grace, mercy, and peace from both God the Father and Jesus Christ, emphasizing that these blessings are experienced in the context of truth and love.

2 John 1:4 (NKJV)
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.

John expresses his joy upon finding that some members of her community are living in accordance with the truth of the gospel, as commanded by God. This adherence to truth underpins the ethical and doctrinal correctness expected of believers, reflecting their faithfulness to the teachings they have received.

2 John 1:5-6 (NKJV)
5 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.
6 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 emphasizes the commandment to love one another, a directive not new but foundational to Christian doctrine from the start. He clarifies that true love is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commandments, reflecting a holistic approach where love and adherence to God’s will are inseparable. This reiteration of the old commandment to love serves as a reminder of the practical expression of faith in their daily lives.

2 John 1:7-9 (NKJV)
7 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.
8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
9 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.

John warns believers about deceivers who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, identifying them as antichrists. This passage emphasizes the importance of abiding in the doctrine of Christ, as departing from it means losing both the Father and the Son. It highlights that true faith is not just about belief but also about remaining in Christ’s teachings. Those who go beyond His doctrine risk separation from God, while those who remain faithful have the assurance of a relationship with both the Father and the Son. This passage underscores the necessity of discernment, as many false teachers seek to lead believers away from the truth, making it crucial to test every teaching against Scripture.

2 John 1:10-11 (NKJV)
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

John advises strict boundaries regarding association with those who bring false doctrine, specifically those who deny core tenets of Christian belief such as the Incarnation. The instruction to neither welcome nor greet such individuals underscores the seriousness of protecting the integrity of the faith community, as any welcome or greeting could be seen as an endorsement of their erroneous beliefs.

2 John 1:12-13 (NKJV)
12 Having many things to write to you, I do 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.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

John concludes by expressing a desire to communicate more personally and directly, preferring face-to-face interaction to further discuss matters and enhance mutual joy. The closing greeting from the children of her elect sister (likely members of another church) strengthens the sense of community and shared faith among early Christian congregations.