2 John 1 Commentary

The apostle John addresses his letter in coded language. He does not introduce himself, nor does he mention the location of the church to which he’s writing. John emphasizes truth and love in his opening address, because these are the main concerns of this brief epistle.

John affirms that some believers are walking in the truth by loving one another, while others are apparently in need of reminder: God calls us to love one another. It is not a new commandment that they don’t know. It is a fundamental aspect of walking with God that all believers should practice for the benefit of themselves and others.

There are liars in the church who teach that Jesus was not both man and God, but merely had the appearance of being a man. John warns his readers to guard themselves against this false teaching, for if they fail to abide in Jesus’ teaching, they will miss out on the future rewards that can only be earned through faithful obedience. He adds that the believers should turn false teachers away from their church and not pretend to be friendly with them, otherwise they’re condoning their deception.

John has more to say, but concerning things he doesn’t want to put down on paper. He intends to visit this undisclosed church and bring it back to the full joy God has to offer.