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.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is to a noble Christian matron, and her children; it is well that the gospel should get among such: some noble persons are called. Families are to be encouraged and directed in their love and duties at home. Those who love truth and piety in themselves, should love it in others; and the Christians loved this lady, not for her rank, but for her holiness. And where religion truly dwells, it will abide for ever. From the Divine Persons of the Godhead, the apostle craves grace, Divine favour, and good-will, the spring of all good things. It is grace indeed that any spiritual blessing should be given to sinful mortals. Mercy, free pardon, and forgiveness; for those already rich in grace, need continual forgiveness. Peace, quietness of spirit, and a clear conscience, in assured reconciliation with God, together with all outward prosperity that is really for good: these are desired in truth and love.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The elder - An appellation suited to a familiar letter, but upon a weighty subject. To the elect - That is, Christian. Kuria is undoubtedly a proper name, both here and in (2 John 1:5) ; for it was not then usual to apply the title of lady to any but the Roman empress; neither would such a manner of speaking have been suitable to the simplicity and dignity of the apostle. Whom - Both her and her children. I love in the truth - With unfeigned and holy love.
McArther Bible Commentary
The Elder. John uses this title to emphasize his advanced age, his spiritual authority over the congregations in Asia Minor, and the strength of his own personal eyewitness testimony to the life of Jesus and all that He taught (2Jn 1:4-6). the elect lady and her children. Some think that this phrase refers metaphorically to a particular local church, while "her children" refers to members of the congregation. The more natural understanding in context, however, is that it refers to a particular woman and her children (i.e., offspring) who were well known to John. whom I love in truth. The basis of Christian hospitality is the truth (2Jn 1:1-3). John accentuates the need for truth by repeating the term truth five times in the opening four verses. Truth refers to the basics or fundamentals of the faith that John has discussed in 1 John (sound belief in Christ, obedience, love) as well as the truths expressed in 2 John (e.g., 2Jn 1:4-6). Truth is the necessary condition of unity and, as a result, the basis of hospitality.
Bible Cross References
John 8:32 Acts 11:30 Romans 16:13 1 Timothy 2:4 1 Peter 5:1 1 Peter 5:13 1 John 3:18 2 John 1:3 2 John 1:5 2 John 1:13 3 John 1:1

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is to a noble Christian matron, and her children; it is well that the gospel should get among such: some noble persons are called. Families are to be encouraged and directed in their love and duties at home. Those who love truth and piety in themselves, should love it in others; and the Christians loved this lady, not for her rank, but for her holiness. And where religion truly dwells, it will abide for ever. From the Divine Persons of the Godhead, the apostle craves grace, Divine favour, and good-will, the spring of all good things. It is grace indeed that any spiritual blessing should be given to sinful mortals. Mercy, free pardon, and forgiveness; for those already rich in grace, need continual forgiveness. Peace, quietness of spirit, and a clear conscience, in assured reconciliation with God, together with all outward prosperity that is really for good: these are desired in truth and love.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For the truth's sake, which abideth in us - As a living principle of faith and holiness.
McArther Bible Commentary
truth … abides in us … will be with us forever. This is the cognitive truth of God's Word (cf. Col 3:16).
Bible Cross References
John 14:16 2 Peter 1:12 1 John 1:8

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is to a noble Christian matron, and her children; it is well that the gospel should get among such: some noble persons are called. Families are to be encouraged and directed in their love and duties at home. Those who love truth and piety in themselves, should love it in others; and the Christians loved this lady, not for her rank, but for her holiness. And where religion truly dwells, it will abide for ever. From the Divine Persons of the Godhead, the apostle craves grace, Divine favour, and good-will, the spring of all good things. It is grace indeed that any spiritual blessing should be given to sinful mortals. Mercy, free pardon, and forgiveness; for those already rich in grace, need continual forgiveness. Peace, quietness of spirit, and a clear conscience, in assured reconciliation with God, together with all outward prosperity that is really for good: these are desired in truth and love.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Grace takes away guilt; mercy, misery: peace implies the abiding in grace and mercy. It includes the testimony of God's Spirit, both that we are his children, and that all our ways are acceptable to him. This is the very foretaste of heaven itself, where it is perfected. In truth and love - Or, faith and love, as St. Paul speaks. Faith and truth are here synonymous terms.
McArther Bible Commentary
Grace, mercy, and peace … in truth and love. John's succession from grace to mercy and then to peace marks the order from the first motion of God to the final satisfaction of man. The confines of these threefold blessings are within the sphere of truth and love.
Bible Cross References
Romans 1:7 1 Timothy 1:2 2 John 1:1

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Express his joy in their faith and love.
It is good to be trained to early religion; and children may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the apostle to see children treading in their parents' steps, and likely in their turn to support the gospel. May God bless such families more and more, and raise up many to copy their example. How pleasing the contrast to numbers who spread irreligion, infidelity, and vice, among their children! Our walk is true, our converse right, when according to the word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet, as to the matter, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostacies, or fallings away, might engage the apostle to urge this duty, and this command, frequently and earnestly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
I found of thy children - Probably in their aunt's house, (2 John 1:13) . Walking in the truth - In faith and love.
McArther Bible Commentary
children walking in truth, as we received commandment. The behavior of hospitality involves obedience to the truth (see 2Jn 1:5-6). The word walking has reference to continual walking in the truth, i.e., making obedience to the truth a habit in one's life.
Bible Cross References
1 Corinthians 13:6 3 John 1:3 3 John 1:4

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Express his joy in their faith and love.
It is good to be trained to early religion; and children may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the apostle to see children treading in their parents' steps, and likely in their turn to support the gospel. May God bless such families more and more, and raise up many to copy their example. How pleasing the contrast to numbers who spread irreligion, infidelity, and vice, among their children! Our walk is true, our converse right, when according to the word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet, as to the matter, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostacies, or fallings away, might engage the apostle to urge this duty, and this command, frequently and earnestly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That which we had from the beginning - Of our Lord's ministry. Indeed it was, in some sense, from the beginning of the world. That we may love one another - More abundantly.
McArther Bible Commentary
new commandment … that we love one another. John ties the commandment of truth to the commandment of love (cf. 1Jn 2:7-11; 1Jn 4:7-12). The word love has reference to practicing love as a habit in one's life. Both walking in the truth and in love is the behavior of hospitality.
Bible Cross References
John 13:34 John 13:35 John 15:12 John 15:17 1 John 2:7 1 John 3:11 1 John 4:7 1 John 4:11 2 John 1:1

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Express his joy in their faith and love.
It is good to be trained to early religion; and children may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the apostle to see children treading in their parents' steps, and likely in their turn to support the gospel. May God bless such families more and more, and raise up many to copy their example. How pleasing the contrast to numbers who spread irreligion, infidelity, and vice, among their children! Our walk is true, our converse right, when according to the word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet, as to the matter, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostacies, or fallings away, might engage the apostle to urge this duty, and this command, frequently and earnestly.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
And this is the proof of true love, universal obedience built on the love of God. This - Love. Is the great commandment which ye have heard from the beginning - Of our preaching.
McArther Bible Commentary
This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. John defines love, not as a sentiment or an emotion, but as obedience to God's commands (see notes on 1Jn 5:2-3). Those who are obedient to the truth as contained in God's commandments, the fundamentals of the faith (1Jn 2:3-11), are identified as walking in love. Cf. Joh 14:15, Joh 14:21; Joh 15:10.
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 13:4 John 14:15 John 14:21 John 14:23 1 John 2:5 1 John 2:7 1 John 2:24 1 John 5:3

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions them against deceivers.
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls, and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. Let us not think it strange, that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such, even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Sad it is, that splendid attainments in the school of Christ, should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is, to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and those who transgress his commands. Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God, and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters, but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Carefully keep what ye have heard from the beginning, for many seducers are entered into the world, who confess not Jesus Christ that came in the flesh - Who disbelieve either his prophetic, or priestly, or kingly office. Whosoever does this is the seducer - From God. And the antichrist - Fighting against Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
many deceivers. Cf. Mar 13:22-23; 1Ti 4:1-4; 2Pe 2:1 ff.; 1Jn 4:1. In verses 2Jn 1:7-11, John gives limits for Christian hospitality. This is the centerpiece of John's thought in this epistle and expands the first two points. Since Satan comes as an angel of light (2Co 11:13-15), believers must be on guard against error by having an intimate acquaintance with the truth. who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. The original language conveys the idea of a habitual denial of the undiminished deity and humanity of Christ. A biblical Christology maintains that Jesus Christ's nature was both fully God and fully man with all the implications for the fulfillment of redemptive purposes. The essence of the severest error in false religions, heresies, and cults centers in a denial of the true nature of Jesus Christ.
Bible Cross References
John 1:14 1 John 2:18 1 John 2:19 1 John 2:22 1 John 2:26 1 John 4:1 1 John 4:2 1 John 4:3

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions them against deceivers.
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls, and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. Let us not think it strange, that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such, even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Sad it is, that splendid attainments in the school of Christ, should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is, to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and those who transgress his commands. Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God, and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters, but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
That we lose not the things which we have wrought - Which every apostate does. But receive a full reward - Having fully employed all our talents to the glory of him that gave them. Here again the apostle modestly transfers it to himself.
McArther Bible Commentary
do not lose those things we worked for. Although a reward is generally promised Christians for hospitality (e.g., Mat 10:41; Mat 25:40; Mar 9:41), the idea here is of the fullness of a believer's reward for all the good he has done (see 1Co 3:10-17; 2Co 5:9-10). A loss of that reward may occur to any believer who does not discriminate fellowship on the basis of adherence to the truth (Col 2:18-19; Col 3:24-25). This is a potent warning. All the eternal reward one earns by seeing Christ purely, eagerly, and effectively in the Spirit can be diminished by any aiding or abetting of false teaching.
Bible Cross References
Mark 13:9 1 Corinthians 3:8 Hebrews 10:35

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions them against deceivers.
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls, and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. Let us not think it strange, that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such, even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Sad it is, that splendid attainments in the school of Christ, should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is, to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and those who transgress his commands. Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God, and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters, but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Receive this as a certain rule: Whosoever transgresseth - Any law of God. Hath not God - For his Father and his God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ - Believing and obeying it. He hath both the Father and the Son - For his God.
McArther Bible Commentary
does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. A failure to be faithful to the fundamental, sound doctrines of the faith (a proper view of the person and work of Christ, love, obedience) marks a person as having never been born again (1Jn 2:23; 1Jn 3:6-10; 1Jn 4:20-21; 1Jn 5:1-3). The word abide has the idea of constant adherence and warns that these fundamentals are not open to change or subject to the latest trends or philosophical fads.
Bible Cross References
John 7:16 John 8:31 1 John 2:23 1 John 2:24 3 John 1:9

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions them against deceivers.
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls, and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. Let us not think it strange, that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such, even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Sad it is, that splendid attainments in the school of Christ, should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is, to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and those who transgress his commands. Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God, and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters, but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
If any came to you - Either as a teacher or a brother. And bring not this doctrine - That is, advance anything contrary to it. Receive him not into your house - As either a teacher or a brother - Neither bid him God speed - Give him no encouragement therein.
McArther Bible Commentary
do not receive him into your house nor greet him. John's prohibition is not a case of entertaining people who disagree on minor matters. These false teachers were carrying on a regular campaign to destroy the basic, fundamental truths of Christianity. Complete disassociation from such heretics is the only appropriate course of action for genuine believers. No benefit or aid of any type (not even a greeting) is permissible. Believers should aid only those who proclaim the truth (2Jn 1:5-8).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 13:16 Acts 15:23 Romans 16:17 2 Thessalonians 3:6 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Titus 3:10 3 John 1:10

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Cautions them against deceivers.
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls, and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. Let us not think it strange, that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity now, for there were such, even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Sad it is, that splendid attainments in the school of Christ, should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is, to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and those who transgress his commands. Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God, and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters, but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
For he that biddeth him God speed - That gives him any encouragement, is accessory to his evil deeds.
McArther Bible Commentary
shares in his evil deeds. Hospitality to such leaders aids the spread of their heresy and inevitably leaves the impression of sanctioning the teachings of these antichrists (cf. 1Jn 2:22). Supreme loyalty to God and His Word alone must characterize the actions of every true believer.
Bible Cross References
Ephesians 5:11 1 Timothy 5:22 Hebrews 5:13 Jude 1:23

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And concludes.
The apostle refers many things to a personal meeting. Pen and ink were means of strengthening and comforting others; but to see each other is more so. The communion of saints should be maintained by all methods; and should tend to mutual joy. In communion with them we find much of our present joy, and look forward to happiness for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Having many things to write, I was not minded to write now - Only of these, which were then peculiarly needful.
McArther Bible Commentary
paper and ink. The word paper refers to a papyrus sheet. One papyrus sheet could contain the whole letter of 2 John. The term ink means "black" and refers to a mixture of water, charcoal, and gum resin that was used to write. face to face. John literally wrote "mouth to mouth." Cf. Num 12:8 where God spoke to Moses "mouth to mouth." that our joy may be full. The blessing of hospitality is full joy (2Jn 1:12-13). John uses this same wording in 1Jn 1:4. When believers uphold the biblical standards for fellowship, the result is genuine joy among believers because the truths of the Word are maintained.
Bible Cross References
John 3:29 1 John 1:4 3 John 1:10 3 John 1:13 3 John 1:14

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
And concludes.
The apostle refers many things to a personal meeting. Pen and ink were means of strengthening and comforting others; but to see each other is more so. The communion of saints should be maintained by all methods; and should tend to mutual joy. In communion with them we find much of our present joy, and look forward to happiness for ever.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
The children of thy elect or Christian sister - Absent, if not dead, when the apostle wrote this.
McArther Bible Commentary
The children of your elect sister. John refers to the nieces and/or nephews of the woman ("elect lady") addressed in verse 2Jn 1:1 who sent their greetings via John.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:47 2 John 1:1