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, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth— ​
2
because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3
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.

Walking in Truth and Love

4
I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. ​
5
And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. ​
6
And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love. ​

Warning Against Deceivers

7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. ​
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Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
9
Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. ​
10
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. ​
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Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Concluding Remarks

12
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. ​
13
The children of your elect sister send you greetings.

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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