ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 John 1

2 John 1–3 Greeting: The Elder’s Love. Love frames the opening section, appearing in vv. 1 and 3.

2 John 1 The elect lady and her children probably refers to a local congregation and its members. The word truth is prominent in John’s greeting, perhaps because early Christians saw themselves as being in close communion with Jesus, who called himself “the truth” (see note on John 14:6) and whom they acknowledged as such, and perhaps because John knows he will also have to write about the untruth of spiritual deceivers (2 John 7–11).

2 John 2 abides in us. The gospel unites John and his readers. “In us” could be translated “among us.”

2 John 4–6 The Elder’s Joy and Request. John wants his readers’ behavior to reflect their faith.

2 John 4 Apparently John had encountered members of the congregation who were, in fact, walking in the truth, i.e., living in a manner pleasing to God. Perhaps it was from them that he determined he needed to pen this letter to their church.

2 John 5 Love one another may suggest there was division among the readers. On love, see note on John 13:34–35.

2 John 6 Commandment probably refers to the love commandment introduced by Jesus (John 13:34–35).

2 John 7–8 The Elder’s Concern. Doctrinal confusion was a threat to the congregation.

2 John 7 the coming of . . . Christ in the flesh. See 1 John 4:2 and note. antichrist. See 1 John 2:18 and note. many deceivers. On false teaching, see note on Matt. 7:15–20.

2 John 8 Watch yourselves. Compare Mark 13:5, 23. win a full reward. Eternal life with Christ.

2 John 9–11 The Elder’s Warning. The congregation must not listen to persons who do not “abide in the teaching of Christ” (v. 9).

2 John 9 Goes on ahead probably refers to a “new” teaching that amounted to rejection of the apostolic faith. Does not have God, i.e., does not have eternal life in fellowship with God. Threats to church purity come not only from the outside but often from within. Similarly, Paul wrote that some at Corinth had “no knowledge of God” (1 Cor. 15:34).

2 John 10 If anyone comes refers to traveling teachers or preachers who rejected true Christian teaching. do not receive him into your house. Since believers gathered in homes to worship, this could give the appearance of agreeing with the false teaching. This does not prohibit showing hospitality to unbelievers (see Matt. 9:10–13; 1 Cor. 5:9–10); rather, it is false Christians who require caution and perhaps rejection (see 1 Cor. 5:11–13).

2 John 11 Greets means to extend approval, assistance, and full fellowship. takes part in his wicked works. To support someone who is working against the true Christian message is to share in that person’s guilt.

2 John 12–13 Closing: The Elder’s Farewell. John hopes to follow this letter with a visit.

12 so that our joy may be complete. See 1 John 1:4 and note.

2 John 13 Children of your elect sister are the believers in the congregation from which John writes.