Free Bible Commentary
“Second John 1:1-3”
Categories: Second John“The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth, for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”
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John refers to himself as “the elder” (presbyter) instead of an apostle of the Lord in addressing “the chosen lady and her children” (verse 1). At the time of writing this letter, John would have been considered a very old man by anyone having the privilege of reading it. He was likely well into his 9th decade of life, and had the distinct honor of being the last apostle living, having served as an inspired, authoritative ambassador of Christ for well over a half-century. He was so well-known and well-respected among the churches in the region of Asia (Minor) that he could unpretentiously and affectionately introduce himself as “the elder” and still wield the full weight of his authoritative office.
John loved his faithful brothers and sisters in Christ “in truth”. He truly loved his obedient brethren because they made it their top priority to “walk in truth” (verse 4). The apostle demonstrated his Christ-like love for them by warning them about and trying to save them from the “many deceivers” who had “gone out into the world” (verse 7). I am afraid most of us profess love for a good many people in our lives that we have affection for, and yet make no effort to protect them against the “savage wolves” who pervert the truth, and draw them away to their spiritual destruction (Acts 20:29-30). Biblical love does not just feel—it acts, it protects, it serves.
John loved his brethren “for the sake of the truth which” dwelled within them (verse 2). Christians are, of course, to love all people, but especially “those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). God’s children are to cherish those of “like, precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1), and “be devoted to one another in brotherly love,” giving “preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10). The love that we have for Christ should draw us closer to those who have Him and His word “abiding in them”. When we grow in Christ’s “truth and love” (verse 3), God’s “grace, mercy and peace” will greatly abound within us, and will find its expression in words and deeds of affection and kindness.
“The truth…will be with us forever” (verse 2). This powerful declaration must have infused great courage and consolation into the hearts of our faithful, first-century brethren who were embroiled in a bitter battle against the enemies of the Truth. False doctrines like Gnosticism will come and go, but the unalloyed, absolute Truth will stand the test of time and endure forever. As we “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 1:3) today, it should embolden us to know that the word of God is and always will be His enduring power to transform lives and save souls. “for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls off, but the word of the Lord endures forever.’” (1 Peter 1:23-25)
Please read 2 John 1:4-6 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
-Louie Taylor
