2 John

John described himself as an "elder." The term may refer either to an official title (see 1 Pet. 5:1), or it may describe John affectionately as an old man.

John designated his recipients as "the chosen lady and her children." Some have felt that her name was "Kyria" and others have chosen "Electa." If her name were "Electa," we would have to say that she also had a sister of the same name. If the recipient were an individual, she would likely be anonymous. The phrase is more likely a reference to some local church over which the elder had authority. The "children" were members of that church. John's statement of love and the command to love would be more suitable for a church than for a person. The command not to host false teachers is also more suitable for a local church than for a single home.

The feature that united John with his readers was their common love for the truth (vv. 1b-2). Grace indicated God's provision of salvation, and God's gift of mercy demonstrated the depth of human need of it. Peace is a description of the character of salvation.

John had met some of the children of the lady, perhaps members of the church, in his travel. Their conduct had impressed him. The meeting led to a single request: Love one another. That request led John to consider the link between love and obedience. If we love God, we will obey Him. Our love for Him expresses itself in our obedience.

John warned against deceivers who led others astray. The doctrine they stressed involved a denial of the incarnation. Christians affirmed the genuine humanity of Jesus when they said, "Christ has come in the flesh." Jesus did not become Christ at the baptism or cease to be Christ before His death. He was Christ come in the flesh.

John warned his readers against losing their reward for faithful service by falling into doctrinal error (v. 8). He affirmed that one who erred at this important point did not have God.

John included an additional warning in verses 10-11. He warned against providing any sort of official welcome for those who erred in their doctrine of Christ. John was not promoting intolerance, nor was he violating his earlier appeal to "love one another." He was warning against extending any form of support for those who erred at the point of the genuine humanity of Christ. We should not apply John's words to cause us to separate from those whose opinions we happen to dislike.

Although John had much he desired to communicate to his readers, he did not want to use another sheet of papyrus for writing. He preferred to speak face to face so that he could not be misunderstood. He anticipated a time of future visitation so that they might experience a future completion of joy.

John's concluding word in verse 13 sounds more like a message of greeting from members of one church to the recipients to whom he wrote.

See the list at the conclusion of 1 John.