VERSE 1. THE ELDER UNTO THE ELECT LADY. The first thing that attracts attention is the designation the writer applies to himself. Peter and Paul both call themselves apostles. John nowhere calls himself an apostle. The Vulgate has the word "ancient" in the place of elder. I can not think, as some d... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 2. FOR THE TRUTH'S SAKE. Those that love, as enjoined by the gospel of truth, love because they love the truth, and such love is for the truth's sake. Being true to the gospel, this love of truth dwells in the believer and will continue so to dwell for all time, and will also extend into eter... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 3. GRACE BE WITH YOU, MERCY, AND PEACE. This verse contains a benediction which is common in all apostolic writings.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 4. I REJOICED, GREATLY. It was a source of great satisfaction to the writer that the children of the lady addressed were walking in the truth. They were observing the commandment of the Father. This word commandment, being in the singular number, must refer to one single command, and taking i... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 5. AND NOW I BESEECH THEE, LADY. The exhortation is earnest. "I beseech thee." The reason for this was, the fear and anxiety entertained by the apostle that, as false teachers were abroad, danger menaced the lady and her family, and to guard them against all possible evil influences that migh... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 6. AND THIS IS LOVE. We know one possesses this love whenever we see its demonstration. One, therefore, who knows by acts that he loves, shows at the same time that he walks after the commandments. We hear the Lord when we obey what he commands, and no other love is acceptable to the Father o... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 7. FOR MANY DECEIVERS. The reason for the earnestness of his exhortation to stability in the faith is here brought to the front. There are deceivers in the world not one, but many. These must be guarded against, that no apostasy is caused, and the worthy lose their reward. WHO CONFESS NOT TH... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 8. LOOK TO YOURSELVES. With relation to these deceivers, this antichrist, be careful; be on your guard as to their specious stories, their plausible speeches; be led not astray by them; cling to the faith of Christ. You have already begun your work for the reward of the righteous; this you do... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 9. WHOSOEVER TRANSGRESSETH, AND ABIDETH NOT. Plain, it must be, that a life of transgression can not be pursued, and one so acting be in Christ; on the contrary, one so doing is not in Christ that is, does not abide in Christ; and as all blessings are in him, the danger of loss or failure of... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 10. IF THERE COME ANY UNTO YOU. Such as described, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, receive them not into your house. He may claim to be a brother; but no difference, give him no welcome as such, extend to him no such hospitality; and further, extend to him no wish... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 11. FOR HE THAT BIDDETH HIM GOD SPEED. In wishing a deceiver success, or offering to him encouragement and aid in his false and wicked course, you become a partaker of his evil deeds to the extent of the help given and aid afforded.... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 12. HAVING MANY THINGS TO WRITE UNTO YOU. The apostle closes his epistle by the statement, that he withheld many things he desired to tell her, but the subjects were of such a nature he preferred not to impart them by pen and ink; having a hope to meet her soon, such things could await a pers... [ Continue Reading ]
VERSE 13. THE CHILDREN OF THY ELECT SISTER. The children of a sister to whom the letter was addressed resided at the place from whence John wrote, and he, possibly at their request, sends the good wishes, a common salutation at that time. The speculation afloat about this elect lady and her elect si... [ Continue Reading ]