2 John 1 Footnotes

1 The author stated that he loved “in the truth.” This love was consistent with the truth of the Christian message that he and his readers had received. This emphasis on truth shows that authentic Christian love involves more than sentimentality.

4 To walk “in truth” includes accepting the truth of the Christian message and obeying it. Here it refers specifically to loving one another (vv. 5-6) and confessing Jesus Christ as come in the flesh (v. 7; see 1Jn 4:3).

7 John confronted the danger of false teachers. Believers must not simply love (vv. 5-6), they must also maintain the truth (vv. 7-11). He described these “deceivers” as people with an inadequate understanding of Jesus Christ.

8 John warned his readers, “Watch yourselves,” which means “Watch out.” He stated the purpose of this vigilance both negatively and positively: to avoid losing “what we have worked for” and to “receive a full reward” for faithful service. John has helped these believers by giving them two tests for teachers. (1) Do they walk in love (vv. 4-6)? (2) Do they hold to the teaching of Christ (vv. 7-11)?