2 John Chapter 1 — Walking in Truth and Love
The elder writes to a 'chosen lady' and her children, encouraging them to live by the truth and warning them to avoid those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh.
1The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,
2for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,*“Christ” means “Anointed One”. the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
5Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.
8Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.
9Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him,
11for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
12Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.
13The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 John 1:6
“This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.”
This verse provides a clear definition of biblical love as active obedience to God's instructions.
2 John 1:7
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.”
This verse highlights the specific theological error the author is warning his readers against.
Chapter Summary
In this brief letter, the author, identifying himself as 'the elder,' addresses the 'chosen lady' and her children. He expresses great joy in seeing members of the community living according to the truth as commanded by God. He emphasizes the core commandment that believers must love one another, defining love as obedience to God's instructions. A significant portion of the letter serves as a warning against deceivers who have entered the world and refuse to acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in human form. The elder labels such individuals as the Antichrist and advises the community not to welcome or support anyone who does not bring the correct teaching of Christ. The letter concludes with the elder expressing a desire to visit in person rather than continuing to write with paper and ink, aiming for a shared and full joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some interpret the 'chosen lady' as an individual woman, many scholars believe it is a personification of a local church, with 'her children' representing the members of that congregation.
Walking in truth refers to living a life consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the reality of the Gospel, characterized by both doctrinal integrity and moral behavior.
The author warns against welcoming those who do not bring the true teaching of Christ to prevent the spread of false doctrine and to avoid participating in their 'evil deeds.'
Study Note
2 John is the only book in the New Testament addressed specifically to a woman, whether she represents a literal person or a figurative church.
Related Chapters
1 John Chapter 4
Both chapters discuss the importance of testing spirits and the reality of Jesus coming in the flesh.
John Chapter 13
This chapter records Jesus giving the 'new commandment' to love one another, which 2 John references.
3 John Chapter 1
3 John is another short personal letter from 'the elder' that also emphasizes walking in the truth.
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