2 John 1

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1

The apostle here salutes an honourable matron and her children, 2 John 1:1-3. Recommends to them faith and love, 2 John 1:5, 6. Warns them of deceivers (2 John 1:7), and to take heed to themselves, 2 John 1:8. Teaches how to treat those who bring not the doctrine of Christ, 2 John 1:10, 11. And, referring other things to personal discourse, concludes the epistle, 2 John 1:12, 13. read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1

HERE we find a canonical epistle inscribed, principally, not only to a single person, but to one also of the softer sex. And why not to one of that sex? In gospel redemption, privilege, and dignity, there is neither male nor female; they are both one in Christ Jesus. Our Lord himself neglected his own repast, to commune with the woman of Samaria, in order to show her the fountain of life; and, when almost expiring upon the cross, he would with his dying lips bequeath his blessed mother to... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1:1-4

Ancient epistles began, as here, with salutation and good wishes: religion consecrates, as far as may be, old forms, and turns compliments into real expressions of life and love. Here we have, as usually, I. The saluter, not expressed by name, but by a chosen character: The elder. The expression, and style, and love, intimate that the penman was the same with that of the foregoing epistle; he is now the elder, emphatically and eminently so; possibly the oldest apostle now living, the chief... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1:5-6

We come now more into the design and substance of the epistle; and here we have, I. The apostle's request: Now, I beseech thee, lady. Considering what it is that he entreats, the way of address is very remarkable; it is not any particular boon or bounty to himself, but common duty and observance of divine command. Here he might command or charge; but harsher measures are worse than needless where milder will prevail; and the apostolical spirit is, of all other, the most tender and endearing.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1:7-9

In this principal part of the epistle we find, I. The ill news communicated to the lady-seducers are abroad: For many deceivers have entered into the world. This report is introduced by a particle that bespeaks a reason of the report. ?You have need to maintain your love, for there are destroyers of it in the world. Those who subvert the faith destroy the love; the common faith is one ground of the common love;? or, ?You must secure your walk according to the commands of God; this will secure... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1:10-11

Here, I. Upon due warning given concerning seducers, the apostle gives direction concerning the treatment of such. They are not to be entertained as the ministers of Christ. The Lord Christ will distinguish them from such, and so would he have his disciples. The direction is negative. 1. ?Support them not: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine (concerning Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah and anointed of God for our redemption and salvation), receive him not into your... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 John 1:12-13

The apostle concludes this letter, 1. With an adjournment of many things to personal conference: 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. Here it is supposed that some things are better spoken than written. The use of pen and ink may be a mercy and a pleasure; but a personal interview may be more so. The apostle was not yet too old for travel, nor consequently for travelling... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 John 1:1-3

1:1-3 The Elder to the Elect Lady and to her children, whom I love in truth (it is not only I who love you and them, but so do all who love the truth) because of the truth which abides in us and which will be with us for ever. Grace, mercy and peace will be with you from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, in truth and love. The writer designates himself simply by the title of The Elder. Elder can have three different meanings. (i) It can mean simply an older man,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 John 1:1-3

It is of great interest to note how in this passage love and truth are inseparably connected. It is in the truth that the elder loves the elect lady. It is because of the truth that he loves and writes to the church. In Christianity we learn two things about love. (i) Christian truth tells us the way in which we ought to love. Agape ( Greek #26 ) is the word for Christian love. Agape ( Greek #26 ) is not passion with its ebb and flow, its flicker and its flame; nor is it an... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 John 1:4-6

1:4-6 It gave me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, as we have received commandment from the Father. And now, Lady, not as if I were writing a new commandment to you, but a commandment which we have had from the beginning, I beg you that we should love one another. And this is love, that we should walk according to his commandments; and this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that we should walk in it. In the church to which he is writing... read more

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