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By: Rich Puckett

As with most of my studies, my comments are in red. The blue is from Matthew Henrys and Believers Study Bible commentary.

2 John: This epistle is like an abridgement of the first; it touches, in few words, on the same points. The Lady Electa is commended for her virtuous and religious education of her children; is exhorted to abide in the doctrine of Christ, to persevere in the truth, and carefully to avoid the delusions of false teachers. But chiefly the apostle beseeches her to practise the great commandment of Christian love and charity.

The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children. (1-3) Express his joy in their faith and love. (4-6) Cautions them against deceivers. (7-11) And concludes. (12,13)

The author addresses his audience as "the elect lady and her children" (see "Book note: Recipients"). As he communicates his love for these believers, he states that he loves "in truth." The word "truth" (aletheia, Gk.) appears five times in this brief epistle. Thus, the author's love is consistent with the truth of the Christian message which he and his readers have received. This emphasis on truth shows that authentic Christian love involves more than emotional sentimentality. The Christian community consists of those who "know the truth."

2 John 1:1: Verses 1-3. 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.

Truth and trust go hand in hand, you can not ever have people trust in you are what you teach unless they know when you speak you speak truth.

John stresses that love results from the "truth" which abides within every believer. Throughout this book, the author highlights the interrelationship between truth and love.

John begins the body of the letter with thanksgiving. Apparently, he has received news, either directly or indirectly, that members of this church are "walking in truth" (cf. 3 John 4). To "walk in truth" includes accepting the veracity of the Christian message and endeavoring to obey it. In 2 John, this refers specifically to loving one another (vv. 5, 6) and confessing Jesus Christ as come in the flesh (v. 7; cf. 1 John 4:3). This type of behavior results in fellowship with other Christians (cf. 1 John 1:7, note).

2 John 1:4: Verses 4-6. 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.

Over and over we see the theme of love in the Bible and in John's writing. We must learn to love each other, we must learn to love and show that love by walking honest and in peace.

John begins the body of the letter with thanksgiving. Apparently, he has received news, either directly or indirectly, that members of this church are "walking in truth" (cf. 3 John 4). To "walk in truth" includes accepting the veracity of the Christian message and endeavoring to obey it. In 2 John, this refers specifically to loving one another (vv. 5, 6) and confessing Jesus Christ as come in the flesh (v. 7; cf. 1 John 4:3). This type of behavior results in fellowship with other Christians (cf. 1 John 1:7, note).

The antichrist was then and is now, many today preach every thing but the truth, and many try and convince men that Jesus was just a man. Today in this country and many we have allowed these people to live among us and teach our children in our schools, lead us in our governments and we wonder why the world is going down hill and farther from God. We elect Pastors based on his education and if he can build our church number up and will he in crease the giving of money. How far away from God the church has gone.

At this point, John's discussion changes to the danger of false teachers. Believers must not simply love (vv. 5, 6); they must also maintain the truth (vv. 7-11). Consequently, they must be aware of heretical precepts. John describes these "antichrists" (cf. 1 John 2:18, note) as people with an inadequate understanding of Jesus Christ. This is the same type of heresy which is addressed in 1 John (see 1 John 1:1, "Book note: Theme"; cf. also 1 John 2:18, 19; 4:2-3, notes).

2 John 1:7: Verses 7-11. 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.

This verse is often used by some to argue that we can lose rewards and not heaven its self. The problem with that is they don't read what first John says. They miss his point all together. What is a full reward?

Recognizing the threat of these apostates, the author warns his readers to "look to yourselves," which means "watch out." The word "look" (blepo, Gk.) is sometimes used in an apocalyptic context of "looking out" for the last times (cf. Mark 13:5, 6, 21-23; Eph. 5:15; Col. 2:8; Heb. 10:25). The purpose of this vigilance is stated negatively and positively: to avoid losing what "we worked for" and to "receive a full reward" for faithful service.

The weight of textual evidence argues that "transgresses" (parabaino, Gk.) should be read "goes ahead" (proago, Gk.; NU goes ahead). John is criticizing those who "go ahead" of the teachings of Christ. This critique is aimed at the false teachers who have boasted about their relationship with God (e.g., 1 John 1:6) while rejecting the importance of Jesus Christ's incarnation (v. 7).

The word "comes" implies that the false teachers have deliberately entered the Christian community for the sole purpose of teaching their destructive and false doctrines. "Do not receive him into your house" probably refers to a type of hospitality which goes beyond a mere greeting and includes the provision of lodging and other necessities. While rudeness is not advocated, sternness and determination are clearly dictated as a pattern of behavior for believers. The prohibition includes exclusion from fellowship as well as the refusal to ask God's blessing upon such a heretic. The phrase "greet him" is a translation of chairein (Gk.) and may be rendered "joy to him" or "health to him." Judgment is left to God, but the believer is not to desire "joy" for one who seduces others from the faith. Similar prohibitions are found throughout the N.T. (cf. Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4; Titus 3:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4, 18, 19). Casual reading of this passage, together with these other references, establishes the seriousness of the offense of doctrinal heresy. The attitude of the church is also clearly defined. The rationale for such strictness is the eternal consequences of heresy. Incorrect doctrine leads men astray, thus securing their eternal damnation in hell. In addition, the possibility of controversy and dissension in the assemblies provides another cause for stern action.

"Paper" refers to a leaf of papyrus prepared for writing. Some biblical scholars suggest that this epistle could have been written on a single sheet of papyrus. A translation of "our joy" rather than "your joy" suggests that John includes both himself and his readers.

For the term "Elder," see 2 John 1:1, "Book note: Author." The letter is addressed to a man named "Gaius." Since this was one of the most common names in the Roman world, he is impossible to identify. The author expresses his love which is "in truth" (cf. 2 John 1, note).

3 John

3 John: This epistle is addressed to a converted Gentile. The scope is to commend his stedfastness in the faith, and his hospitality, especially to the ministers of Christ.

The apostle commends Gaius for piety and hospitality. (1-8) Cautions him against siding with Diotrephes, who was a turbulent spirit; but recommends Demetrius as a man of excellent character. (9-12) He hopes soon to see Gaius. (13,14)

For the term "Elder," see 2 John 1:1, "Book note: Author." The letter is addressed to a man named "Gaius." Since this was one of the most common names in the Roman world, he is impossible to identify. The author expresses his love which is "in truth" (cf. 2 John 1, note).

3 John 1:1: Verses 1-8. Those who are beloved of Christ, will love the brethren for his sake. Soul prosperity is the greatest blessing on this side heaven. Grace and health are rich companions. Grace will employ health. A rich soul may be lodged in a weak body; and grace must then be exercised in submitting to such a dispensation. But we may wish and pray that those who have prosperous souls, may have healthful bodies; that their grace may shine where there is still more room for activity. How many professors there are, about whom the apostle's words must be reversed, and we must earnestly wish and pray that their souls might prosper, as their health and circumstances do! True faith will work by love. A good report is due from those who receive good; they could not but testify to the church, what they found and felt. Good men will rejoice in the soul prosperity of others; and they are glad to hear of the grace and goodness of others. And as it is a joy to good parents, it will be a joy to good ministers, to see their people adorn their profession. Gaius overlooked petty differences among serious Christians, and freely helped all who bore the image, and did the work of Christ. He was upright in what he did, as a faithful servant. Faithful souls can hear their own praises without being puffed up; the commendation of what is good in them, lays them at the foot of the cross of Christ. Christians should consider not only what they must do, but what they may do; and should do even the common actions of life, and of good-will, after a godly sort, serving God therein, and designing his glory. Those who freely make known Christ's gospel, should be helped by others to whom God gives the means. Those who cannot themselves proclaim it, may yet receive, help, and countenance those who do so.

The author follows conventional practice by communicating good wishes to the recipient. John acknowledges Gaius' spiritual well-being and prays for his health.

This is what we wish all men would see in each of us, faith and love and endurance walking in truth which is trust.

The evidence of Gaius' spiritual vitality has come to the author through the testimony of other believers. Specifically, Gaius has shown hospitality to itinerant Christian ministers (vv. 5-8).

To "walk in truth" (lit. "walking about in the sphere of the truth") implies a course of conduct or life, i.e., "living in the truth." The importance of doctrinal integrity and truth is evident in John's affirmation that nothing brings greater joy to him than to know that his children walk in truth.

The phrase "whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers" may best be translated "whatever you do for the brothers even though they are strangers." Gaius had rendered a tremendous service to the cause of Christ by welcoming itinerant ministers, even though they were strangers to him.

Charity is love.

(vv. 6-8) John encourages Gaius to continue his hospitality toward these missionaries. This ministry is important because these ministers are laboring on behalf of God. Underlying this discussion is a contrast between Christian missionaries and false teachers. For example, the word which John uses to describe the departure of certain false teachers from the Christian community (exerchomai, Gk.; 1 John 2:19; 2 John 7) is the same word translated "went forth" in v. 7, which depicts the journeys of Christian instructors. Furthermore, while an individual who welcomes a false teacher "shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 11), those who receive Christian missionaries are "fellow workers for the truth" (v. 8).

(vv. 9,10) Most likely, the words "I wrote" refer to a previous letter which is not extant. This lost letter probably contained instructions from John which Diotrephes subsequently disregarded. Diotrephes, a man of influence and authority in the church, evidently was opposed to the apostle John. The nature of his rebellion was observable in three distinct areas: (1) he loved to be in the first position, (2) he spread malicious gossip against John, and (3) failing to be content with those malevolent actions, he refused to receive the brethren from other assemblies and cast out of the church those who did receive the brethren. The sins of pride, gossip, and intolerance are frequently found together.

3 John 1:9: Verses 9-12. Both the heart and mouth must be watched. The temper and spirit of Diotrephes was full of pride and ambition. It is bad not to do good ourselves; but it is worse to hinder those who would do good. Those cautions and counsels are most likely to be accepted, which are seasoned with love. Follow that which is good, for he that doeth good, as delighting therein, is born of God. Evil-workers vainly pretend or boast acquaintance with God. Let us not follow that which is proud, selfish, and of bad design, though the example may be given by persons of rank and power; but let us be followers of God, and walk in love, after the example of our Lord.

You should pray a long time before you turn away those that love God, just because they don't dress like you do, or might see some things different. We are to lead and bring home lost sheep not toss them out.

3 John 1:13: Verses 13-14. Here is the character of Demetrius. A name in the gospel, or a good report in the churches, is better than worldly honour. Few are well spoken of by all; and sometimes it is ill to be so. Happy those whose spirit and conduct commend them before God and men. We must be ready to bear our testimony to them; and it is well when those who commend, can appeal to the consciences of such as know most of those who are commended. A personal conversation together often spares time and trouble, and mistakes which rise from letters; and good Christians may well be glad to see one another. The blessing is, Peace be to you; all happiness attend you. Those may well salute and greet one another on earth, who hope to live together in heaven. By associating with and copying the example of such Christians, we shall have peace within, and live at peace with the brethren; our communications with the Lord's people on earth will be pleasing, and we shall be numbered with them in glory everlasting.