FROM THE ELDER. _Elder_ was often used as a _title of respect,_ and it is the aged John the apostle who so speaks of himself here. TO THE DEAR LADY. Women played a larger part in the first century church than they often are given credit for. See Lydia (Acts 16:40), Nymphia (Colossians 4:15), etc. [N... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE THE TRUTH. Compare John 15:16-17. John is confident that the truth will be with us forever, that is _available forever,_ and he is confident that the truth will remain in all who love the truth for what it is.... [ Continue Reading ]
MAY GOD. This is John's word of blessing, from both God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. MAY THEY BE OURS. See 1 John 2:24.... [ Continue Reading ]
HOW HAPPY. "I talked with some of your children, and I was happy to find they live in the truth of love!" John writes to warn the Lady about false teachers. It would be a pleasant surprise for him to meet faithful Christians, after battling with the other kind. THE FATHER COMMANDED. "The commandment... [ Continue Reading ]
AND SO I ASK YOU. John speaks in a personal way. LET US ALL LOVE. Love forms the basis of the Good News, because it was _love_ which caused God to act in Christ to set men free. See note on 1 John 2:7.... [ Continue Reading ]
MEANS THAT WE MUST LIVE. Christian love is not an "ooey-gooey feeling in the tummy," but a very practical way of living in truth. [The other forms of love are valid in their sphere.] Compare 1 John 5:3; John 14:15; John 14:23. Christian love imitates the life of Christ (1 John 2:7 and note).... [ Continue Reading ]
MANY DECEIVERS. "The truth is that Jesus is The Christ, the Logos in human form. Those who live in truth believe this and love one another. Many follow the spirit of the Enemy of Christ, and deny this is true. I warn you against such people." THE ENEMY OF CHRIST. Note that _each_ person who denies t... [ Continue Reading ]
WATCH YOURSELVES. "Do not let anyone fool you and steal away your promise!" Although we do not _earn_ our salvation, still there is a human response that is necessary. Compare what John said in John 4:36; John 6:27. YOUR REWARD IN FULL. Eternal life. See 1 John 2:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
ANYONE WHO DOES NOT STAY. "Some say that being put right with God through Christ is all right to begin with, but that you must _progress_ on to _higher things._' But do not be fooled by such talk! Anyone who _progresses away_ from the teaching of Christ does not have God!" WHOEVER DOES STAY. "If you... [ Continue Reading ]
WHO DOES NOT BRING THIS TEACHING. "If someone comes who claims to be a brother, but does not bring this teaching that Jesus Christ came as a human being to be the means of our salvation, then have nothing to do with him!" John connects _love_ with _truth_ and the _commandment._ One who purposely den... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR ANYONE. "This is not a simple misunderstanding, but a deliberate attempt to destroy Christ's church! Since these people have made themselves the Enemies of Christ, you must treat them as such!" This does not conflict with Mark 9:38-39 (see notes there) or with Philippians 1:15-18 (see notes ther... [ Continue Reading ]
SO MUCH TO TELL YOU. John may have more to say about the false teachers. Perhaps he does not want to write any more harsh things, which could be _taken the wrong way._ And it would be much better if he were there personally, to see firsthand what was necessary. The aged John looks forward to seeing... [ Continue Reading ]
THE CHILDREN. If the Lady is a real woman, then these would be the children of her sister, who were with John. They are Christians also. _Note:_ Christian love is an act of will. It is treating others as God has treated us in Christ. Then, it is something that anyone and everyone has the ability to... [ Continue Reading ]