The complete commentary of the book of Second John

John the Elder addresses the elect lady, and her children (her name is unknown). John commends that some of her children are abiding in truth. John continues to exhort that they walk in love toward each other. John once again driving the point home regarding love just as he did in his first letter.

Obedience to the commandments of God is walking in true love for the Christian. Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15), (vs. 1-6).

John warns again regarding those that deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ (this heresy once again is called Docetism). The God/man Jesus is central and fundamental to the Christian faith. These individuals are heretics, deceivers, and antichrists, and are children of the devil. We are to avoid them, and not provide them hospitality knowing that they’re evil. We do not want to endorse, show solidarity to those that promote false doctrine. The only way we can denounce the fake is to know the real – that is scripture.

Remember true love does not tolerate sin. Any doctrine that does not teach biblical truth proves that that person does not have God (vs. 7-10). Love can only be true and pure if it’s based on the truth or else it’s misplaced love. God’s love is discriminate and exclusive. It must rebuke error so that it can save souls.

The bible commands us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We are also to put to  silence the ignorance of foolish men with the truth (italics added. Not part of original verse. I Peter 2:15).

John ends his letter with telling this godly woman that her family sent her greetings (vs. 13).