2 John1

The Elder writes to an elect lady and her children, expressing love in truth and rejoicing that her children walk in truth. He reiterates the ancient commandment to love one another, defining love as walking in God's commandments. The chapter warns against many deceivers who deny Jesus Christ's incarnation, identifying them as antichrists. Believers are instructed not to support such false teachers, lest they partake in their evil deeds.
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Salutation and Greeting

1
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; ​
2
For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3
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.

Walking in Truth and Love

4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. ​
5
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. ​
6
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. ​

Warning Against Deceivers

7
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. ​
8
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9
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. ​
10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: ​
11
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Concluding Remarks

12
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. ​
13
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.

Study Notes for 2 John 1

Verse 1

The title 'the elder' (Gk. *presbyteros*) indicates John’s authority as an apostolic eyewitness and leader. The 'elect lady' is likely a personification of a specific local church, though some scholars suggest she was an influential individual.

Verse 4

John expresses joy that members of this congregation are 'walking in truth,' meaning their lifestyle and actions are consistent with the gospel revealed by God the Father.

Verse 5

The command to 'love one another' is stressed as the original and foundational command of Christ, not a new or temporary instruction.

Verse 6

John defines true love not merely as emotion, but as active obedience to God's commandments, reinforcing the Johannine theme that love and obedience are inseparable.

Verse 7

This verse identifies the specific heresy John confronts: the denial that Jesus Christ truly came in human flesh (proto-Gnosticism/Docetism). Anyone denying the reality of the incarnation is labeled a 'deceiver and an antichrist.'

Verse 9

This provides the theological test for orthodoxy: retaining the true 'doctrine of Christ,' which specifically refers to the teaching about Christ’s person (his divinity and humanity). Deviation from this central truth means separation from God.

Verse 10

John issues a strong practical warning against offering hospitality or fellowship to false teachers. In the ancient world, providing lodging was essential for itinerant preachers, and denying it restricted their ability to spread error.

Verse 12

The desire to speak 'face to face' emphasizes the importance of personal communication in the early church, which was often preferred over the limitations of writing.

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