Study of 2 John

2 JOHN

By

Tony Smith

A Servant of God

Copyright 2015 by John Anthony Smith
All Rights Reserved

 

2 John

 

2 John 1

¹ The elder {Many think this refers to John. The writing style is much the same as the previous letter of John. The thought is that John was the last of the original 12 apostles still living and was therefore “the” elder.  Another thought is that this could refer to the early church writing to the last days church.} unto the elect lady {Theologians often think this refers to a specific lady and her offspring. This person or her children has never been identified. It seems to be a bit of a stretch that this letter is written to a particular person, especially given the remainder of the letter. Another perspective is the letter is a letter of advice to the last days Church of God and her members (children). This would make the remainder of the letter more logical and valuable as advice to the church.} and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; {Love in the truth is the same as love in the Lord, Jesus the Christ, truth with us always.}  ² For the truth's sake, which dwells in us, and shall be with us forever.

³ 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. ⁴ I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, {The conduct that results when an individual has “truth” residing within. John could truly rejoice in the vision God gave him of the last days church living the doctrine of Christ. } as we have received a commandment from the Father.  ⁵ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. {This sounds very much like John’s writing in the Gospel and in 1 John. The love of Christ is what carries us through the very difficult times. The love of Christ through the Holy Spirit is what shows us true teachings vs. false teaching.}  ⁶ And this is love; that we walk after his commandments. {Genuine Christians express their love for God by obeying his commandments, and especially by loving one another.} This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. ⁷ For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. {This has been the case since the very beginning and will reach its worst in the last days. John emphasizes this so we know just how important it is. We must take care with what preachers/teachers/organizations are really saying. Does it match God’s Word?)

⁸Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. {This could be our works for the Lord (ministries, etc.) as well as our salvation if we turn from the Lord (see Demas).} ⁹ Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: ¹¹ For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. {This tends to go against our culture’s notions of being polite and loving. To wish a person God speed or good luck or a good day is really sending the message we hope they are successful in their endeavors. If those endeavors are not in accordance with the Word of God, or in opposition to the Word we are really saying we hope they are successful turning people from Christ. This is NOT what we want as Christians.} ¹² Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. {See Matt. 17:11-13)

¹³ The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.