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 truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth; ​
2
for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:
3
Grace, mercy, peace shall be with us, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4
I rejoice greatly that I have foundcertainof thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father. ​
5
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. ​
6
And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it. ​

Warning Against Deceivers

7
For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. ​
8
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.
9
Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. ​
10
If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: ​
11
for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.

Concluding Remarks

12
Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full. ​
13
The children of thine elect sister salute thee.

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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