2 John
2 John notes
vv1-2 - who is the lady? (is it a church) - John loves her 'in truth', as do all who 'know the truth', because 'of the truth' which abides in John/those who know.. and will remain forever.
v3 - unusual greeting - rather than grace, mercy etc. to you - it says with us.
v4 - finding the children walking in the truth is a cause for rejoicing.
v4 - we (who is we? them then, or me now as well?) were commanded to 'walk in the truth'
v5 - loving one another is not new ... it is the commandment we have had from the beginning....
v6 - we should walk according to his commandments
v6 - we should walk in the commandment (to love one another v5b). Love is walking according to his commandments. Loving one another is the commandment. We should walk in this commandment.
v7 - deceivers do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.
v8 - watch out - there is something to lose, and (much) to gain. (what can you lose?)
v9 - if you do not abide in the teaching of Christ, you do not have God (abide is quite a strong word - it feels stronger than 'remain' - closer to dwelling - hence abiding in your abode). If you abide in the teaching - you have both Father and son.
v10 - the lady should not receive into her house (n.b. if lady = church, house = church building? is this a jump too far?) those who do not bring this teaching. Even greeting them = taking part in his wicked works.
v12 - greetings --- seeing each other in person is best. Paper and ink second best. A note for the age of the Internet.
v13 - the children of your elect sister greet you. (Does this lend support for lady = church? - otherwise, would suggest that John knows the sister of the lady to whom he is writing).
What is the truth?
- you can love in it (v1)
- it is something you can know (v1)
- it is something which is in people (v2)
- it is something permanent (v2)
- it is linked to God the Father and Jesus Christ - they can provide grace, mercy and peace - in truth and love (v3)
- you can walk in it (v4)
- love is walking according to his commandments (v6)
- you can also walk in the commandment to love one another (vv5-6)
It can be in you, and you can love and walk (be?) in it.
