2 John 1:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Grace {G5485} be {G2071} with {G3326} you {G5216}, mercy {G1656}, and peace {G1515}, from {G3844} God {G2316} the Father {G3962}, and {G2532} from {G3844} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, the Son {G5207} of the Father {G3962}, in {G1722} truth {G225} and {G2532} love {G26}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Grace, mercy and shalom will be with us from God the Father and from Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Berean Standard Bible

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.

American Standard Version

Grace, mercy, peace shall be with us, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The third verse of Second John delivers a foundational apostolic blessing, extending grace, mercy, and peace to the recipients. This divine benediction originates directly from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, establishing the Trinitarian source of all spiritual provision. Furthermore, the verse specifies that these blessings are experienced and lived out "in truth and love," setting the essential ethical and doctrinal framework for Christian existence, which is a hallmark of John's theological emphasis throughout his epistles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 2 John 1:3 serves as the formal apostolic greeting, immediately following the salutation to "the elect lady and her children" in [2 John 1:1](/2_john/1-1 "2 John 1:1 - Salutation to the Elect Lady"). This blessing sets the spiritual tone for the entire epistle, which is remarkably concise yet packed with theological and practical directives. The inclusion of "mercy" alongside the more common "grace and peace" in apostolic greetings (e.g., [Romans 1:7](/romans/1-7 "Romans 1:7 - Apostolic Greeting")) is notable, possibly anticipating the challenges of discernment and the need for divine compassion that the letter addresses. The subsequent verses (e.g., [2 John 1:4-6](/2_john/1-4-6 "2 John 1:4-6 - Walking in Truth and Love")) immediately elaborate on the themes of truth and love introduced here, urging believers to walk in obedience to God's commands and to love one another, while simultaneously warning against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Warning Against Deceivers")). Thus, this verse functions as a spiritual foundation for both the encouragement to steadfastness and the warning against apostasy that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, letters typically began with a standard greeting (e.g., "Greetings!"). Early Christian letters adopted and adapted this form, infusing it with theological depth. The common Christian greeting "grace and peace" (Greek: _charis_ and _eirēnē_) was a profound transformation of secular greetings, signifying God's unmerited favor and the holistic well-being that comes through reconciliation with Him. The addition of "mercy" (Greek: _eleos_) in 2 John (and also in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) likely reflects the specific pastoral concerns of the author. In an era marked by emerging heresies, particularly Docetism (which denied the true humanity of Christ), believers faced spiritual dangers requiring not only grace for salvation and peace in Christ, but also God's active compassion and forgiveness in their struggle against error and potential sin. The emphasis on "truth and love" also resonates with the Johannine community's distinct identity and challenges, where doctrinal purity and fervent brotherly love were paramount in distinguishing true believers from deceivers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core Johannine and New Testament themes. The **divine origin of blessings** is central; grace, mercy, and peace are not human achievements but gifts flowing "from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father." This Trinitarian source underscores the unity of the Godhead in providing for humanity's spiritual needs. The blessings themselves—**grace** (God's unmerited favor, as seen in [Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Salvation by Grace")), **mercy** (God's active compassion towards the needy, often linked to forgiveness), and **peace** (holistic well-being and reconciliation with God, echoing [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"))—are foundational to the Christian experience. Furthermore, the phrase "in truth and love" introduces the **ethical and existential sphere of Christian living**. For John, true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic walk characterized by adherence to God's revealed truth (which is personified in Christ, as in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) and expressed through sacrificial love for one another ([1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love")). These two concepts are inextricably linked; genuine love cannot exist apart from truth, and truth must be embodied in love, forming the twin pillars of authentic Christian discipleship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** This term signifies God's unmerited favor, divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. It encompasses the source of salvation, the ongoing power for Christian living, and the very nature of God's benevolent disposition towards humanity. In this context, it is the foundational blessing, enabling believers to receive and respond to God.
* **Mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** Denoting compassion, particularly active compassion, whether human or divine. It speaks to God's tender-heartedness and practical help extended to those in need, especially in the context of sin, weakness, or suffering. Its inclusion alongside grace and peace highlights God's specific provision for the struggles and failures of believers.
* **Peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Often derived from a verb meaning "to join," this word implies wholeness, reconciliation, and prosperity. It refers to the state of spiritual well-being, harmony with God, and inner tranquility that results from being in right relationship with Him. It is a comprehensive blessing that encompasses all good.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Grace be with you, mercy, and peace":** This tripartite blessing is a rich apostolic greeting. "Grace" is God's unmerited favor, the source of all spiritual blessings. "Mercy" is God's active compassion and forgiveness, especially vital for those facing error or sin. "Peace" is the holistic well-being and reconciliation with God that results from these divine provisions. The optative mood of "be" (Greek: _ésomai_) expresses a wish or prayer, indicating that John is invoking these blessings upon his readers.
* **"from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father":** This clause explicitly states the divine origin of these blessings. They do not come from human effort or merit but flow directly from the unified will and action of the first and second persons of the Trinity. The repetition of "the Father" emphasizes the unique and eternal relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ, affirming Jesus's divine sonship and co-equality, a critical theological point in light of the emerging heresies denying Christ's true nature.
* **"in truth and love":** This phrase describes the sphere or atmosphere in which these blessings are received and experienced. "Truth" (Greek: _alḗtheia_) refers to God's revealed Word, sound doctrine, and genuine integrity in life. "Love" (Greek: _agápē_) signifies divine, self-sacrificial love, both God's love for humanity and the love believers are to manifest towards God and one another. These two concepts are inseparable for John, forming the essential framework for authentic Christian living and discernment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is the **Apostolic Greeting**, a common epistolary convention in the New Testament, though John's specific formulation here is unique. The listing of "grace, mercy, and peace" forms a **Tricolon**, a rhetorical device using three parallel words or phrases, which adds emphasis and completeness to the blessings invoked. There is also clear **Parallelism** in the source of the blessings: "from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father," underscoring the co-equal divine authority. Finally, the concluding phrase "in truth and love" represents a **Johannine Duality**, a frequent pairing of interconnected concepts (like light/darkness, life/death) that are fundamental to John's theology, emphasizing that these virtues are not merely abstract but must be lived out in concrete reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 John 1:3 profoundly connects to the broader theological landscape of the New Testament by articulating the Trinitarian source of all spiritual blessings and establishing the dual pillars of truth and love as the essential framework for Christian existence. The invocation of grace, mercy, and peace underscores God's initiative in salvation and sanctification, revealing His character as both sovereign and compassionate. This verse affirms the co-equality and co-operation of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in dispensing divine favor, a crucial theological statement against any attempts to diminish Christ's deity. Furthermore, the mandate to live "in truth and love" resonates with the very nature of God, who is truth and love, and serves as the practical outworking of genuine faith, demanding both doctrinal fidelity and ethical integrity in the believer's walk.

* [Romans 1:7](/romans/1-7 "Romans 1:7 - Grace and Peace from God")
* [1 Timothy 1:2](/1_timothy/1-2 "1 Timothy 1:2 - Grace, Mercy, and Peace")
* [1 John 3:18](/1_john/3-18 "1 John 3:18 - Love in Deed and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 John 1:3 offers a profound blueprint for the Christian life, reminding us that our spiritual sustenance and ethical conduct are divinely sourced. The blessings of grace, mercy, and peace are not merely abstract concepts but active provisions from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, empowering us to navigate a complex world. Grace reminds us of God's unmerited favor, the foundation of our salvation and daily strength. Mercy assures us of His compassionate response to our failures and needs, offering forgiveness and restoration. Peace provides the inner tranquility and holistic well-being that transcends circumstances, anchoring us in Christ. Living "in truth and love" then becomes our active response to these blessings. This calls us to a rigorous commitment to sound doctrine and biblical fidelity, discerning between truth and error, especially in a world saturated with competing narratives. Simultaneously, it compels us to embody God's sacrificial love in our relationships, demonstrating compassion, forgiveness, and active care for others. This verse challenges us to ask: Are we truly receiving and relying on God's grace, mercy, and peace? And are we consistently manifesting God's truth and love in our daily lives, both in our beliefs and our behaviors?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do "grace," "mercy," and "peace" manifest in your daily experience as a believer?**
* **In what ways does understanding the Trinitarian source of these blessings deepen your appreciation for them?**
* **How can you more intentionally live "in truth" in a world that often blurs the lines of objective truth?**
* **What practical steps can you take to better demonstrate "love" in your interactions, especially with those who differ from you?**
* **How does the inseparable nature of truth and love guide your discernment of teachings and relationships within the church and beyond?**

### FAQ

**Why does John add "mercy" to the typical "grace and peace" greeting?**

Answer: While "grace" and "peace" were common elements in apostolic greetings, John's inclusion of "mercy" (also found in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) is significant. It likely reflects the specific pastoral concerns and challenges faced by the recipients of this letter. In a context where false teachers (specifically those denying the true humanity of Jesus, as mentioned in [2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Warning Against Deceivers")) were active, believers needed God's active compassion and forgiveness. "Mercy" emphasizes God's tender-heartedness and practical help for those struggling with sin, weakness, or deception, assuring them of divine aid and restoration in their spiritual battles. It highlights the compassionate aspect of God's character essential for perseverance.

**What does it mean to live "in truth and love"?**

Answer: To live "in truth and love" is a hallmark Johannine concept, emphasizing the inseparable nature of sound doctrine and ethical conduct for authentic Christian living. Living "in truth" means adhering to God's revealed Word, particularly the truth about Jesus Christ's incarnation ([2 John 1:7](/2_john/1-7 "2 John 1:7 - Warning Against Deceivers")), and living with integrity and sincerity, free from hypocrisy. It implies a commitment to doctrinal purity and discernment. Living "in love" (Greek: _agápē_) means demonstrating God's self-sacrificial, active concern for others, as commanded by Christ ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")). For John, true love cannot exist apart from truth, nor can truth be genuinely expressed without love. These two qualities define the essence of Christian discipleship and are the means by which believers are to walk in obedience to God's commands ([2 John 1:6](/2_john/1-6 "2 John 1:6 - The Commandment of Love")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 John 1:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the conduit for grace, mercy, and peace, but the very embodiment and source of these divine realities. As the "Son of the Father," Jesus perfectly reveals the Father's character and mediates all His blessings. It is through His atoning sacrifice that "grace" abounds, offering undeserved favor and salvation to humanity ([Romans 5:20-21](/romans/5-20-21 "Romans 5:20-21 - Grace Abounds Over Sin")). His earthly ministry was a demonstration of profound "mercy," as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and forgave sinners, showing compassion to all who came to Him ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Jesus is our "peace," breaking down the wall of hostility between God and humanity and between people groups, establishing reconciliation through His cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Most profoundly, Jesus is the very "truth" incarnate, the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), who declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expression of God's "love," a sacrificial _agápē_ that defines the divine nature ([1 John 4:9-10](/1_john/4-9-10 "1 John 4:9-10 - God's Love Revealed in Christ")). Thus, to receive grace, mercy, and peace "in truth and love" is to be united with Christ, living out His character and mission in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

Romans 1:7

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called [to be] saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:14

And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:2

Unto Timothy, [my] own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, [and] peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Galatians 5:6

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

2 John 1:1

¶ 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 Timothy 1:13

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.