II John 1: A Call to Truth and Love
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
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.
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
And 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.
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.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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.
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
The second letter of John, though brief, is packed with essential guidance for believers. Penned as a personal note, it addresses timeless themes of truth, love, and discernment in the face of deceptive influences. Understanding II John 1 is crucial for navigating the complexities of faith and maintaining a vibrant Christian life.
Context: A Postcard of Truth
Similar to a concise postcard, II John doesn't delve deeply into any single topic, yet it carries significant weight. The apostle John expresses his joy at discovering some believers steadfastly adhering to the truth, implicitly acknowledging that others were straying. His primary concern revolves around the insidious influence of false teachers, against whose doctrines he issues strong warnings. The reference to "the elect lady and her children" (II John 1:1) is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a local church and its members, a common practice in New Testament writings that use female terminology to describe the church as the bride of Christ.
Introduction: Love and Truth United (II John 1:1-3)
The letter commences with John identifying himself as "the elder" (II John 1:1), a title suggesting both his age and his authority within the Christian community. He addresses his message to "the elect lady and her children" (II John 1:1). While interpretations vary, the most likely understanding is that this refers to a local church and its congregation. The "children" represent the believers associated with that church, perhaps even extending to other churches influenced by it.
John declares his love for this church "in the truth" (II John 1:1). He emphasizes the importance of truth, mentioning it multiple times in the opening verses. This highlights a crucial principle: love and truth are inseparable. Truth without love becomes cold and rigid, while love without truth is merely sentimental and lacks substance. True Christian love is "truth in action," demonstrating itself through a commitment to God's revealed word.
Grace, mercy, and peace are invoked in II John 1:3, blessings that originate from God the Father and Jesus Christ. These blessings are uniquely found in the context of truth and love, emphasizing that experiencing God's favor requires aligning ourselves with both.
Walking in Truth and Love (II John 1:4-6)
John expresses his joy at finding "some of your children walking in truth" (II John 1:4). This commendation underscores a central theme of the letter: the importance of living in accordance with God's Word. The phrase "walking in truth" signifies a lifestyle that reflects the principles and teachings of Christ. It also suggests that not all were walking in truth, a reminder that Christians are not immune to error and must constantly examine themselves.
II John 1:5-6 emphasizes the commandment to "love one another." This love is not merely a feeling but a commitment to obedience. John clarifies that "this is love, that we walk according to his commandments" (II John 1:6). Love for God is intrinsically linked to obedience to His truth. The church serves as an incubator for truth, a place where believers gather not for mere entertainment but to preserve, hear, and speak the truth.
Warning Against Deceivers (II John 1:7-11)
A significant portion of John's letter is dedicated to warning against false teachers. He identifies "many deceivers" who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (II John 1:7). This denial strikes at the heart of the gospel, as it undermines the reality of Jesus' incarnation and his atoning sacrifice. John minces no words, calling such individuals "the deceiver and the antichrist" (II John 1:7).
Truth is measured by what people conclude about Jesus Christ. He is the absolute standard. Anyone who suggests Jesus is anything less than the eternal Son of God who became a sinless man, died to atone for sins, and rose from the dead is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Believers are urged to "watch yourselves" (II John 1:8), to be vigilant against deception. Failing to do so could result in losing the full reward that God has in store for those who remain faithful. Intimacy with God is the key to remaining in truth, and this requires abiding in Christ's teaching (II John 1:9).
John provides specific instructions regarding how to respond to those who promote false teachings: "Do not receive him into your house" (II John 1:10). This is not a call to avoid evangelism but a warning against giving credence or support to those who deny the fundamental truths of the gospel.
A Personal Farewell (II John 1:12-13)
John concludes his letter with a desire to visit the church in person, believing that face-to-face interaction would bring greater joy and completeness (II John 1:12). He sends greetings from "the children of your elect sister" (II John 1:13), likely referring to the church in his own location.
In closing, II John, though brief, is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, love, and discernment in the Christian life. It challenges believers to examine themselves, to stand firm in the face of deception, and to cultivate a love that is rooted in obedience to God's Word.
The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
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.
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
And 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.
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.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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.
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
The second letter of John, though brief, is packed with essential guidance for believers. Penned as a personal note, it addresses timeless themes of truth, love, and discernment in the face of deceptive influences. Understanding II John 1 is crucial for navigating the complexities of faith and maintaining a vibrant Christian life.
Context: A Postcard of Truth
Similar to a concise postcard, II John doesn't delve deeply into any single topic, yet it carries significant weight. The apostle John expresses his joy at discovering some believers steadfastly adhering to the truth, implicitly acknowledging that others were straying. His primary concern revolves around the insidious influence of false teachers, against whose doctrines he issues strong warnings. The reference to "the elect lady and her children" (II John 1:1) is often interpreted as a symbolic representation of a local church and its members, a common practice in New Testament writings that use female terminology to describe the church as the bride of Christ.
Introduction: Love and Truth United (II John 1:1-3)
The letter commences with John identifying himself as "the elder" (II John 1:1), a title suggesting both his age and his authority within the Christian community. He addresses his message to "the elect lady and her children" (II John 1:1). While interpretations vary, the most likely understanding is that this refers to a local church and its congregation. The "children" represent the believers associated with that church, perhaps even extending to other churches influenced by it.
John declares his love for this church "in the truth" (II John 1:1). He emphasizes the importance of truth, mentioning it multiple times in the opening verses. This highlights a crucial principle: love and truth are inseparable. Truth without love becomes cold and rigid, while love without truth is merely sentimental and lacks substance. True Christian love is "truth in action," demonstrating itself through a commitment to God's revealed word.
Grace, mercy, and peace are invoked in II John 1:3, blessings that originate from God the Father and Jesus Christ. These blessings are uniquely found in the context of truth and love, emphasizing that experiencing God's favor requires aligning ourselves with both.
Walking in Truth and Love (II John 1:4-6)
John expresses his joy at finding "some of your children walking in truth" (II John 1:4). This commendation underscores a central theme of the letter: the importance of living in accordance with God's Word. The phrase "walking in truth" signifies a lifestyle that reflects the principles and teachings of Christ. It also suggests that not all were walking in truth, a reminder that Christians are not immune to error and must constantly examine themselves.
II John 1:5-6 emphasizes the commandment to "love one another." This love is not merely a feeling but a commitment to obedience. John clarifies that "this is love, that we walk according to his commandments" (II John 1:6). Love for God is intrinsically linked to obedience to His truth. The church serves as an incubator for truth, a place where believers gather not for mere entertainment but to preserve, hear, and speak the truth.
Warning Against Deceivers (II John 1:7-11)
A significant portion of John's letter is dedicated to warning against false teachers. He identifies "many deceivers" who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (II John 1:7). This denial strikes at the heart of the gospel, as it undermines the reality of Jesus' incarnation and his atoning sacrifice. John minces no words, calling such individuals "the deceiver and the antichrist" (II John 1:7).
Truth is measured by what people conclude about Jesus Christ. He is the absolute standard. Anyone who suggests Jesus is anything less than the eternal Son of God who became a sinless man, died to atone for sins, and rose from the dead is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Believers are urged to "watch yourselves" (II John 1:8), to be vigilant against deception. Failing to do so could result in losing the full reward that God has in store for those who remain faithful. Intimacy with God is the key to remaining in truth, and this requires abiding in Christ's teaching (II John 1:9).
John provides specific instructions regarding how to respond to those who promote false teachings: "Do not receive him into your house" (II John 1:10). This is not a call to avoid evangelism but a warning against giving credence or support to those who deny the fundamental truths of the gospel.
A Personal Farewell (II John 1:12-13)
John concludes his letter with a desire to visit the church in person, believing that face-to-face interaction would bring greater joy and completeness (II John 1:12). He sends greetings from "the children of your elect sister" (II John 1:13), likely referring to the church in his own location.
In closing, II John, though brief, is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, love, and discernment in the Christian life. It challenges believers to examine themselves, to stand firm in the face of deception, and to cultivate a love that is rooted in obedience to God's Word.