Look to . App-133 . we . The texts read "ye" in both occurances. lose . Greek. apollumi. See John 17:12 . have wrought . i.e. the truth and love resulting from John's teaching. reward . Greek. misthos. In John's writings only here, John 4:36 (wages), and Revelation 11:18 ; Revelation 22:12 . read more
Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.Look to yourselves ... The plural here denies this as a letter to a single individual; it is clearly a congregation of people that John had in view, some of Whom were "walking in truth," others of whom were deceivers.That ye lose not the things which we wrought ... Smith paraphrased the meaning thus: "See that you do not forfeit the reward of your labor; get a full wage. Be not like the... read more
2 John 1:8. Look to yourselves, &c.— "Beware therefore of them; look about you; stand upon your guard; and take heed that your own faith and practice be not corrupted by them; that so neither you yourselves, nor we, the ministers of Christ, may lose the good fruit of our ministry, which was instrumental in gaining you over to Christ, not only in profession, but, as we trust, in sincerity and truth: but, after all the attempts of deceivers to pervert you, hold that fast which ye have, that... read more
Look to yourselves — amidst the widespread prevalence of deception so many being led astray. So Christ’s warning, :-, :-, :-.we lose not ... we receive — The oldest manuscripts and versions read, “That YE lose not, but that YE receive.”which we have wrought — So one oldest manuscript reads. Other very old manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, “which YE have wrought.” The we being seemingly the more difficult reading is less likely to have been a transcriber’s alteration. Look that ye... read more
II. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TRUTH VV. 4-11"In the central section of 2 John [2 John 1:4-11] . . . we have a brief summary of the great contrasts between truth and error, love and hatred, the Church and the world, which are dealt with at greater length in 1 John." [Note: Stephen S. Smalley, 1, 2, 3 John, p. 322. Cf. John R. W. Stott, The Epistles of John, p. 205.] read more
B. Protecting the Truth vv. 7-11Next John moved on to his second purpose. He wrote to encourage his readers to resist the false teachers who were distorting the truth and deceiving some of the believers."The presbyter’s attention now moves from the existence of true belief inside the Johannine community, which gives him great joy (2 John 1:4), to the dangers presented to it through the espousal of false belief by deceivers who have ’defected into the world.’ Earlier, the writer has spoken of... read more
Compromise with the false teachers could lead to a loss of reward (cf. the warning passages in Hebrews). [Note: Barker, pp. 364-65; Marshall, p. 72.] Moreover loss for John’s readers would involve loss for him as well since he had a share in their lives. This loss would only be partial, however. They would still receive some reward (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15). [Note: See Zane C. Hodges, "2 John," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament, p. 907.] Loss of salvation is not in view at... read more
1:8 wages. (c-17) That is, 'recompense for work.' read more
(2) St. John had lately had opportunity of observing bow some of the matron’s children proved their adherence to the truth by their daily conduct. Having congratulated her about this, he states the chief thing which he desires of her: the pure Christian love which implies every other grace and virtue; in other words, walking after the divine commandments. That this love should be pure, that these commandments should be unimpaired, it was necessary to remember that nothing new could be added to... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 John 1:1-15
CONTENTS OF THE LETTERJohn is always glad to hear good news of Christians whom he has helped over the years. In particular, he is encouraged by the news he has heard about Gaius, namely, that he continues to grow in spiritual strength and remains faithful to the truth (1-4).Besides being faithful to God in the things he believes and teaches, Gaius is helpful to the travelling preachers. He welcomes them to preach in the church and provides them with loving hospitality. This is true not just of... read more