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.

Salutation and Greeting

1
The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; ​
2
for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:
3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Yeshua the Messiah, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father. ​
5
Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. ​
6
This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. ​

Warning Against Deceivers

7
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Yeshua the Messiah came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Anti-messiah. ​
8
Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.
9
Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Messiah, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. ​
10
If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him, ​
11
for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

Concluding Remarks

12
Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full. ​
13
The children of your chosen sister greet you. 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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