2 John 1
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1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
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, 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.
6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. 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.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth 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 biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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.
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Public Domain KJV text from Wordproject.org
ESV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
NIV Bible text displayed through the American Bible Society's Global Bible Widget
Commentary
2 John 1 is written to a lady, regarding herself and her family. The letter was written by an elder, considered to be John. This chapter is quite intriguing, making me wonder about the reasons that prompted the letter. I read this chapter using the Contemporary English Version.
It appears that the author is encouraging the mother, and acknowledging the efforts she has put into her family, leading them in a continued journey to Christ—a solid relationship.
While there is much positive in this chapter, it seems that there has been a degree of negativity spoken or shown toward the family. The faith and resolve of the mother may be failing, thus the reason for the encouragement. It also seems that she is being swayed by others to change her faith-filled position, which the author cautions her against.
I like how the chapter ends: a promised visit. How very personal!
How about us? Do we have the resolve of this family, or is ours the negative influence toward those who are following God’s leading? Let us be a positive influence on others—an encourager, not discourager. Hold strong to Jesus, friends, as you go through your day!
Kirsten Machado
Taipei, Taiwan
