A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 John 1

And her children (κα τοις τεκνοις αυτης). As with εκλεκτη κυρια, so here τεκνα may be understood either literally as in 1 Timothy 3:4, or spiritually, as in Ga 4:19,25; 1 Timothy 1:2. For the spiritual sense in τεκνια see 1 John 2:1,12.

Whom (ους). Masculine accusative plural, though τεκνοις is neuter plural (dative), construction according to sense, not according to grammatical gender, "embracing the mother and the children of both sexes" (Vincent). See thus ους in Ga 4:19.

I (Εγω). Though ο πρεσβυτερος is third person, he passes at once after the Greek idiom to the first and there is also special emphasis here in the use of αγαπω with the addition of εν αληθεια (in truth, in the highest sphere, as in Joh 17:19; 3 John 1:1) and ουκ εγω μονος (not I only, "not I alone"). Brooke argues that this language is unsuitable if to a single family and not to a church. But Paul employs this very phrase in sending greetings to Prisca and Aquila (Romans 16:4).

That know (ο εγνωκοτες). Perfect active articular participle of γινωσκω, "those that have come to know and still know."

For the truth's sake (δια την αληθειαν). Repetition of the word, one of which John is very fond (1 John 1:6, "the truth, as revealed by the Christ, and gradually unfolded by the Spirit, who is truth" (Brooke).

Which abideth in us (την μενουσαν εν ημιν). See Joh 17:19 for "sanctified in truth" and 1 John 2:6 for abiding in Christ, and so it includes all who are in Christ.

It shall be with us (μεθ' ημων εστα). Confident assertion, not a mere wish. Note the order of the words, "With us it shall be" (εστα future middle of ειμ).

Shall be with us (εστα μεθ' ημων). He picks up the words before in reverse order. Future indicative here, not a wish with the optative (ειε) as we have in 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2. The salutation is like that in the Pastoral Epistles: "Χαρις, the wellspring in the heart of God; ελεος, its outpourings; ειρηνη, its blessed effect" (David Smith).

And from Jesus Christ (κα παρα Ιησου Χριστου). The repetition of παρα (with the ablative) is unique. "It serves to bring out distinctly the twofold personal relation of man to the Father and to the Son" (Westcott). "The Fatherhood of God, as revealed by one who being His Son can reveal the Father, and who as man (Ιησου) can make him known to men" (Brooke).

I rejoice (εχαρην). Second aorist passive of χαιρω as in 3 John 1:3, "of a glad surprise" (D. Smith), as in Mr 14:11, over the discovery about the blessing of their godly home on these lads.

Greatly (λιαν). Only here and 3 John 1:3 in John's writings.

I have found (ευρηκα). Perfect active indicative of ευρισκω as in Joh 1:41, our "eureka," here with its usual force, a continued discovery. "He sits down at once and writes to Kyria. How glad she would be that her lads, far away in the great city, were true to their early faith" (David Smith).

Certain of thy children (εκ των τεκνων). No τινας as one would expect before εκ, a not infrequent idiom in the N.T. (John 16:17).

Walking (περιπατουντας). Present active accusative supplementary participle agreeing with τινας understood. Probably members of the church off here in Ephesus.

In truth (εν αληθεια). As in verse 1; 3 John 1:4.

We received (ελαβομεν). Second aorist active (possibly, though not certainly, literary plural) of λαμβανω. This very idiom (εντολην λαμβανω) in Joh 10:18; Acts 17:15; Colossians 4:10. Perhaps the reference here is to 1 John 2:7f.; 3:23.

Beseech (ερωτω). For pray as in 1 John 5:16.

Lady (κυρια). Vocative case and in the same sense as in 1.

As though I wrote (ως γραφων). Common idiom ως with the participle (present active) for the alleged reason.

New (καινην). As in 1 John 2:7f. , which see.

We had (ειχαμεν). Imperfect active (late -α form like ειχαν in Mr 8:7) of εχω and note ειχετε with απ' αρχης in 1 John 2:7. Not literary plural, John identifying all Christians with himself in this blessing.

That we love one another (ινα αγαπωμεν αλληλους). Either a final clause after ερωτω as in Joh 17:15 or an object clause in apposition with εντολην, like 1 John 2:27; 3:23 and like verse 6.