S
E C O N D J O H N
CHAP. I.
The
apostle here salutes an honourable matron and her children, ver. 1-3.
Recommends to them faith and love, ver. 5, 6. Warns them of deceivers (ver.
7), and to take heed to themselves, ver. 8. Teaches how to treat those who
bring not the doctrine of Christ, ver. 10, 11. And, referring other things to
personal discourse, concludes the epistle, ver. 12, 13.
1 The elder unto the elect lady and her
children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that
have known the truth; 2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in
us, and shall be with us for ever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, and
peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the
Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of
thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the
Father.
Ancient epistles began, as here, with salutation and good wishes: religion
consecrates, as far as may be, old forms, and turns compliments into real
expressions of life and love. Here we have, as usually,
I. The saluter, not expressed by name, but by a chosen character: The
elder. The expression, and style, and love, intimate that the penman was
the same with that of the foregoing epistle; he is now the elder,
emphatically and eminently so; possibly the oldest apostle now living, the
chief elder in the church of God. An elder in the ancient house of Israel was
reverend, or to be reverenced, much more he who is so in the gospel Israel of
God. An old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is
more so. He was now old in holy service and experience, had seen and tasted
much of heaven, and was much nearer than when at first he believed.
II. The saluted--a noble Christian matron, and her children: To the elect
lady and her children. A lady, a person of eminent quality for birth,
education, and estate. It is well that the gospel has got among such. It is a
pity but lords and ladies should be acquainted with the Lord Christ and his
religion. They owe more to him than others do; though usually not many
noble are called. Here is a pattern for persons of quality of the same
sex. The elect lady; not only a choice one, but one chosen of God. It
is lovely and beautiful to see ladies, by holy walking, demonstrate their
election of God. And her children; probably the lady was a widow; she and
her children then are the principal part of the family, and so this may be
styled an economical epistle. Families may well be written to and encouraged,
and further directed in their domestic love, and order, and duties. We see
that children may well be taken notice of in Christian letters, and they
should know it too; it may avail to their encouragement and caution. Those who
love and commend them will be apt to enquire after them. This lady and her
children are further notified by the respect paid them, and that, 1. By
the apostle himself: Whom I love in the truth, or in truth, whom I
sincerely and heartily love. He who was the beloved disciple had learnt the
art or exercise of love; and he especially loved those who loved him, that
Lord who loved him. 2. By all her Christian acquaintance, all the religious
who knew her: And not I only, but also all those that have known the truth.
Virtue and goodness in an elevated sphere shine brightly. Truth demands
acknowledgment, and those who see the evidences of pure religion should
confess and attest them; it is a good sign and great duty to love and value
religion in others. The ground of this love and respect thus paid to this lady
and her children was their regard to the truth: For the truth's sake
(or true religion's sake) which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for
ever. Christian love is founded upon the appearance of vital religion.
Likeness should beget affection. Those who love truth and piety in themselves
should love it in others too, or love others upon the account of it. The
apostle and the other Christians loved this lady, not so much for her honour
as her holiness; not so much for her bounty as her serious Christianity. We
should not be religious merely by fits and starts, in certain moods and moons;
but religion should still dwell within us, in our minds and hearts, in our
faith and love. It is to be hoped that where religion once truly dwells it
will abide for ever. The Spirit of Christianity, we may suppose, will not be
totally extinguished: Which shall be with us for ever.
III. The salutation, which is indeed an apostolical benediction: Grace be
with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus
Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love, v. 3. Sacred love
pours out blessings upon this honourable Christian family; to those who have
shall more be given. Observe,
1. From whom these blessings are craved, (1.) From God the Father, the
God of all grace. He is the fountain of blessedness, and of all the blessings
that must bring us thither. (2.) From the Lord Jesus Christ. He is also
author and communicator of these heavenly blessings, and he is distinguished
by this emphatic character--the Son of the Father; such a Son as none
else can be; such a Son as is the brightness of the Father's glory, and the
express image of his person, who, with the Father, is also eternal
life, 1 John i. 2.
2. What the apostle craves from these divine persons. (1.) Grace--divine
favour and good-will, the spring of all good things: it is grace indeed that
any spiritual blessing should be conferred on sinful mortals. (2.) Mercy--free
pardon and forgiveness; those who are already rich in grace have need of
continual forgiveness. (3.) Peace--tranquillity of spirit and serenity
of conscience, in an assured reconciliation with God, together with all safe
and sanctified outward prosperity. And these are desired in truth and love,
either by sincere and ardent affection in the saluter (in faith and love he
prays them from God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ), or as
productive of continued truth and love in the saluted; these blessings will
continually preserve true faith and love in the elect lady and her
children; and may they do so!
IV. The congratulation upon the prospect of the exemplary behaviour of other
children of this excellent lady. Happy parent, who was blessed with such a
numerous religious offspring! I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy
children walking in the truth, as we have received commandment from the
Father, v. 4. Possibly the lady's sons travelled abroad, either for
accomplishment and acquaintance with the world, or on the account of their own
business or the common affairs of the family, and in their travels might come
to Ephesus, where the apostle is supposed to have now resided, and might there
happily converse with him. See how good it is to be trained up to early
religion! Though religion is not to be founded upon education, yet education
may be and often is blessed, and is the way to fortify youth against
irreligious infection. Hence too let young travellers learn to carry their
religion along with them, and not either leave it at home or learn the ill
customs of the countries where they come. It may be observed, also, that
sometimes election runs in a direct line; here we have an elect lady, and
her elect children; children may be beloved for their parents' sake, but
both by virtue of free grace. From the apostle's joy herein we may observe
that it is pleasant to see children treading in good parent's steps; and those
who see this may well congratulate their parents thereupon, and that both to
excite their thankfulness to God for, and to enlarge their comfort in, so
great a blessing. How happy a lady was this, who had brought forth so many
children for heaven and for God! And how great a joy must it be to her
ladyship to hear so good an account of them from so good a judge! And we may
further see that it is joyful to good old ministers, and accordingly to other
good old disciples, to see a hopeful rising generation, who may serve God and
support religion in the world when they are dead and gone. We see here also
the rule of true walking: the commandment of the Father. Then is our
walk true, our converse right, when it is managed by the word of God.
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Christian
Love.
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A. D. 90.
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5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I
wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning,
that we love one another. 6 And this is love, that we walk after
his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the
beginning, ye should walk in it.
We come now more into the design and substance of the epistle; and here we
have,
I. The apostle's request: Now, I beseech thee, lady. Considering what
it is that he entreats, the way of address is very remarkable; it is not any
particular boon or bounty to himself, but common duty and observance of divine
command. Here he might command or charge; but harsher measures are worse than
needless where milder will prevail; and the apostolical spirit is, of all
other, the most tender and endearing. Whether out of deference to her
ladyship, or apostolical meekness, or both, he condescends to beseech: And
now I beseech thee, lady. He may be supposed speaking as another apostle
does to a certain master to whom he writes: Wherefore, though I might be
very bold in Christ (and according to the power with which Christ hath
entrusted me) to enjoin thee that which is convenient, yet, for love's sake
I rather beseech thee, being such a one as the aged, the elder. Love will
avail where authority will not; and we may often see that the more authority
is urged the more it is slighted. The apostolical minister will love and
beseech his friends into their duty.
II. The thing requested of the lady and her children--Christian sacred
love: That we love one another, v. 5. Those that are eminent in
any Christian virtue have yet room to grow therein. But, as touching
brotherly love, you need not that I write unto you; for you yourselves are
taught of God to love one another. But we beseech you, brethren (and
sisters), that you increase more and more, 1 Thess. iv. 9, 10.
1. This love is recommended, (1.) From the obligation thereto--the
commandment. Divine command should sway our mind and heart. (2.) From the
antiquity of the obligation: Not as though I wrote a new commandment unto
thee, but that which we had from the beginning, v. 5. This
commandment of mutual Christian love may be said to be a new one in
respect of its new enaction and sanction by the Lord Christ; but yet, as to
the matter of it (mutual holy love), it is as old as natural, Jewish, or
Christian religion. This commandment must every where attend Christianity,
that the disciples of it must love one another.
2. Then this love is illustrated from the fruitful nature of it: And this
is love, that we walk after his commandments, v. 5. This is the
test of our love to God, our obedience to him. This is love to ourselves, to
our own souls, that we walk in obedience to divine commands. In keeping
them there is great reward. This is love to one another, to engage one
another to walk in holiness; and this is the evidence of our sincere, mutual,
Christian love--that we (in other things) walk after God's commands. There may
be mutual love that is not religious and Christian; but we know ours to be so,
by our attendance to all other commands besides that of mutual love. Universal
obedience is the proof of the goodness and sincerity of Christian virtues; and
those that aim at all Christian obedience will be sure to attend to Christian
love. This is a fundamental duty in the gospel-charter: This is the
commandment, that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it
(v. 6), that is, walk in this love. The foresight of the decay of this
love, as well as of other apostasy, might engage the apostle to inculcate this
duty, and this primordial command, the more frequently, the more earnestly.
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Deceivers
Condemned.
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A. D. 90.
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7 For many deceivers are entered into the
world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a
deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not
those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not
God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son.
In this principal part of the epistle we find,
I. The ill news communicated to the lady-seducers are abroad: For many
deceivers have entered into the world. This report is introduced by a
particle that bespeaks a reason of the report. "You have need to maintain
your love, for there are destroyers of it in the world. Those who
subvert the faith destroy the love; the common faith is one ground of the
common love;" or, "You must secure your walk according to the
commands of God; this will secure you. Your stability is likely to be tried, for
many deceivers have entered into the world." Sad and saddening news
may be communicated to our Christian friends; not that we should love to make
them sorry, but to fore-warn is the way to fore-arm them against their trials.
Now here is, 1. The description of the deceiver and his deceit--he confesses
not that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (v. 7); he brings some
error or other concerning the person of the Lord Jesus; he either confesses
not that Jesus Christ is the same person, or that Jesus of Nazareth was the
Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah promised of old for the redemption of
Israel, or that the promised Messiah and Redeemer has come in the flesh, or
into the flesh, into our world and into our nature; such a one pretends that
he is yet to be expected. Strange that after such evidence any should deny
that the Lord Jesus is the Son of God and Saviour of the world! 2. The
aggravation of the case--such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist (v.
7); he deludes souls and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ.
He must be an impostor, a wilful deceiver, after all the light that has been
afforded, and all the evidence that Christ has given concerning himself, and
the attestation God has given concerning his Son; and he is a wilful opposer
of the person, and honour, and interest of the Lord Christ, and as such shall
be reckoned with when the Lord Christ comes again. Let us not think it strange
that there are deceivers and opposers of the Lord Christ's name and dignity
now, for there were such of old, even in the apostle's times.
II. The counsel given to this elect household hereupon. Now care and caution
are needful: Look to yourselves, v. 8. The more deceivers and
deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be. Delusions may so
prevail that even the elect may be endangered thereby. Two things they must
beware of:-- 1. That they lose not what they have wrought (v.
8), what they have done or what they have gained. It is a pity that any
religious labour should be in vain; some begin well, but at last lose all
their pains. The hopeful gentleman, who had kept the commands of the second
table from his youth up, lost all for want of less love to the world and more
love to Christ. Professors should take care not to lose what they have gained.
Many have not only gained a fair reputation for religion, but much light
therein, much conviction of the evil of sin, the vanity of the world, the
excellency of religion, and the power of God's word. They have even tasted
of the powers of the world to come, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit; and
yet at last lose all. You did run well, who hindered you, that you should
not obey (or not go on to obey) the truth? Sad it is that fair and
splendid attainments in the school of Christ should all be lost at last. 2.
That they lose not their reward, none of it, no portion of that honour, or
praise, or glory that they once stood fair for. That we (or you, as in
some copies) receive a full reward. "Secure you as full a reward
as will be given to any in the church of God; if there are degrees of glory,
lose none of that grace (that light, or love, or peace) which is to prepare
you for the higher elevation in glory. Hold fast that which thou hast
(in faith, and hope, and a good conscience), that no man take thy crown,
that thou neither lose it nor any jewel out of it," Rev. iii. 11. The way
to attain the full reward is to abide true to Christ, and constant in religion
to the end.
III. The reason of the apostle's counsel, and of their care and caution about
themselves, which is twofold:-- 1. The danger and evil of departure from
gospel light and revelation; it is in effect and reality a departure from God
himself: Whosoever transgresseth (transgresseth at this dismal rate), and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. It is the doctrine of
Christ that is appointed to guide us to God; it is that whereby God draws
souls to salvation and to himself. Those who revolt thence, in so doing revolt
from God. 2. The advantage and happiness of firm adherence to Christian truth;
it unites us to Christ (the object or subject-matter of that truth), and
thereby to the Father also; for they are one. He that abideth (rooted
and grounded) in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the
Son. By the doctrine of Christ we are enlightened in the knowledge of the
Father and the Son; by it we are sanctified for the Father and the Son;
thereupon we are enriched with holy love to the Father and the Son; and
thereby prepared for the endless enjoyment of the Father and the Son. Now
you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you, John xv. 3.
This purity makes meet for heaven. The great God, as he has set his seal to
the doctrine of Christ, so he puts a value upon it. We must retain that holy
doctrine in faith and love, as we hope or desire to arrive at blessed
communion with the Father and the Son.
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Caution against Seducers.
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A. D. 90.
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10 If there come any unto you, and bring not
this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God
speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his
evil deeds.
Here, I. Upon due warning given concerning seducers, the apostle gives
direction concerning the treatment of such. They are not to be entertained as
the ministers of Christ. The Lord Christ will distinguish them from such, and
so would he have his disciples. The direction is negative. 1. "Support
them not: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine
(concerning Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah and anointed of God for our
redemption and salvation), receive him not into your house."
Possibly this lady was like Gaius, of whom we read in the next epistle, a
generous housekeeper, and hospitable entertainer of travelling ministers and
Christians. These deceivers might possibly expect the same reception with
others, or with the best who came there (as the blind are often bold enough),
but the apostle allows it not: "Do not welcome them into your
family." Doubtless such may be relieved in their pressing necessities,
but not encouraged for ill service. Deniers of the faith are destroyers of
souls; and it is supposed that even ladies themselves should have good
understanding in the affairs of religion. 2. "Bless not their
enterprises: Neither bid him God speed. Attend not their service with
your prayers and good wishes." Bad work should not be consecrated or
recommended to the divine benediction. God will be no patron of falsehood,
seduction, and sin. We ought to bid God speed to evangelical ministration; but
the propagation of fatal error, if we cannot prevent, we must not dare to
countenance. Then,
II. Here is the reason of such direction, forbidding the support and patronage
of the deceiver: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds. Favour and affection partake of the sin. We may be sharers in the
iniquities of others. How judicious and how cautious should the Christian be!
There are many ways of sharing the guilt of other people's transgressions; it
may be done by culpable silence, indolence, unconcernedness, private
contribution, public countenance and assistance, inward approbation, open
apology and defence. The Lord pardon our guilt of other persons' sins!
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Conclusion and Salutation.
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A. D. 90.
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12 Having many things to write unto you, I
would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and
speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of
thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
The apostle concludes this letter, 1. With an adjournment of many things to
personal conference: Having many things to write unto you I would not write
with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that
our joy may be full. Here it is supposed that some things are better
spoken than written. The use of pen and ink may be a mercy and a pleasure; but
a personal interview may be more so. The apostle was not yet too old for
travel, nor consequently for travelling service. The communion of saints
should be by all methods maintained; and their communion should tend to their
mutual joy. Excellent ministers may have their joy advanced by their Christian
friends. That I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both
of you and me, Rom. i. 12. 2. With the presentation of service and
salutation from some near relations to the lady: The children of thy elect
sister greet thee. Grace was abundant towards this family; here are two
elect sisters, and probably their elect children. How will they admire this
grace in heaven! The apostle condescends to insert the nieces' duty (as we
should call it), or dutiful salutation, to their aunt. The duty of inferior
relations is to be cherished. Doubtless the apostle was easy of access, and
would admit all friendly and pious communication, and was ready to enhance the
good lady's joy in her nieces as well as in her children. May there by many
such gracious ladies rejoicing in their gracious descendants and other
relations! Amen.
Contents
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