2 John 1:5

Commentary on 2 John 1:5 (KJV)

This verse, found in the short but profound Second Epistle of John, serves as a heartfelt plea and a foundational reminder from "the elder" (likely the Apostle John) to a specific "lady" and her children, who may represent a Christian woman and her family, or symbolically, a local church and its members.

Context

2 John is a letter focused on the critical balance between truth and love, especially in the face of emerging false teachers (antichrists) who denied the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The elder commends the recipients for walking in truth but immediately pivots to emphasize the equally vital command to love. This letter was likely written to strengthen believers and warn them against hospitality towards those who spread doctrinal error, reinforcing the importance of sound doctrine alongside genuine affection.

Key Themes

• The Enduring Commandment of Love: John stresses that the command to "love one another" is not a novel concept but "that which we had from the beginning." This echoes Jesus's own teaching, which, while called a "new commandment," was a deeper fulfillment and re-emphasis of the Old Testament law to love God and neighbor (Leviticus 19:18). For John, Christian love is not optional but foundational to faith.
• Authentic Discipleship: Loving one another is presented as a hallmark of true believers and an act of obedience to God's will. It demonstrates a life consistent with the truth of the Gospel.
• Unity and Fellowship: This command fosters unity within the Christian community, creating an environment where believers support, encourage, and protect one another from spiritual dangers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "love" used here is agapē (ἀγάπη), which signifies a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent love, often characterized by action rather than mere emotion. It is the divine love that God has for humanity and the love He calls believers to exhibit towards Him and one another. John's emphasis on "commandment" (ἐντολή, entolē) highlights the obligatory and authoritative nature of this love, not merely a suggestion but a divine imperative.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 John 1:5 remains incredibly relevant:

• Prioritize Love: It reminds us that love for fellow Christians is not a secondary concern but a primary and enduring command, essential to our walk with God. It's a love that should be evident in our actions and attitudes.
• Foundation, Not Innovation: The verse challenges us to ground our faith in the core, unchanging truths and commands of Scripture, rather than constantly seeking new spiritual experiences or teachings that deviate from established doctrine.
• Love in Action: This love is not passive; it calls for active engagement with our brothers and sisters in Christ, demonstrating care, forgiveness, and support. As 1 John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God."
• Discernment with Compassion: While the broader context of 2 John warns against false teachers, this verse ensures that our commitment to truth is always balanced by a genuine, active love for those who genuinely follow Christ.

In essence, 2 John 1:5 underscores that Christian faith is not merely about believing certain truths, but about living out those truths through a consistent and active love for one another, a love that has been commanded "from the beginning."