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.
Overview of 2 John Chapter 1
2 John is a brief epistle attributed to the Apostle John, addressing a chosen lady and her children. The chapter emphasizes themes of truth, love, and the dangers of false teachings. It serves as both a personal letter and a warning to the Christian community about the importance of adhering to the teachings of Christ.
Structure of 2 John Chapter 1
- Greeting (Verses 1-3)
- Introduction of the author as “the elder.”
- Addressing the recipient as “the chosen lady” and her children.
- Emphasis on love and truth as central themes.
- Joy in Truth (Verses 4-6)
- John expresses joy in finding some of the children walking in truth.
- Encouragement to love one another, which is a commandment from the Father.
- Definition of love as walking according to God’s commandments.
- Warning Against Deceivers (Verses 7-11)
- Identification of deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ’s coming in the flesh.
- Admonition to be vigilant and not to receive such individuals into their homes.
- Consequences of supporting false teachers are highlighted.
- Conclusion (Verses 12-13)
- Desire to communicate further in person rather than through writing.
- Sending greetings from the children of the chosen sister.
Thematic Analysis
Truth and Love
The dual themes of truth and love are foundational in this chapter. John emphasizes that walking in truth is synonymous with loving one another. This reflects the core Christian belief that love is the manifestation of truth in action.
Warning Against False Teachings
John’s warning against deceivers highlights the early church’s struggle with false doctrines. He stresses the importance of discernment and the need for the community to remain steadfast in their faith and teachings about Christ.
Community and Relationships
The chapter underscores the significance of community in the Christian faith. The relationship between the elder, the chosen lady, and her children reflects the interconnectedness of believers and the importance of mutual support in truth and love.
Key Verses
- Verse 1: “To the elder, the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth…”
- Verse 4: “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth…”
- Verse 7: “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world…”
- Verse 10: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.”
Conclusion
2 John Chapter 1 serves as a succinct but powerful reminder of the importance of truth and love within the Christian community. It calls for vigilance against false teachings while encouraging believers to support one another in their faith journey. The chapter encapsulates the essence of Christian living—rooted in love, anchored in truth, and discerning in relationships.
