Matthew Henry Commentary 2 John 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 John 1
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 John 1
"The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth; for the truth`s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever: Grace, mercy, peace shall be with us, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love." — 2 John 1:1-3 (ASV)
Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect and love. An old disciple is honorable; an old apostle and leader of disciples is more so. The letter is to a noble Christian matron and her children; it is good that the gospel should reach such people: some noble persons are called. Families are to be encouraged and directed in their love and duties at home.
Those who love truth and piety in themselves should love it in others; and the Christians loved this lady, not for her rank, but for her holiness. And where religion truly dwells, it will abide forever. From the Divine Persons of the Godhead, the apostle prays for grace, divine favor, and goodwill, the spring of all good things.
It is grace indeed that any spiritual blessing should be given to sinful mortals. Mercy, free pardon, and forgiveness; for those already rich in grace need continual forgiveness. Peace, quietness of spirit, and a clear conscience, in assured reconciliation with God, together with all outward prosperity that is really for good: these are desired in truth and love.
"I rejoice greatly that I have found [certain] of thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it." — 2 John 1:4-6 (ASV)
It is good to be trained in faith from an early age; and children may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the apostle to see children following in their parents' footsteps, and likely, in turn, to support the gospel. May God bless such families more and more, and raise up many to copy their example. How pleasing the contrast to those who spread irreligion, infidelity, and vice among their children!
Our walk is true and our conduct right when they are in accordance with the Word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love may be called new in that it was declared by the Lord Christ; yet, in its substance, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostasies, or fallings away, might have prompted the apostle to urge this duty and this command frequently and earnestly.
"For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, [even] they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works." — 2 John 1:7-11 (ASV)
The deceiver and his deceit are described: he brings some error concerning the person or office of the Lord Jesus. Such a one is a deceiver and an antichrist; he deludes souls and undermines the glory and kingdom of the Lord Christ. 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 even in the apostles' times. The more deceivers and deceits abound, the more watchful the disciples must be.
Sad it is that splendid attainments in the school of Christ should ever be lost. The way to gain the full reward is to abide true to Christ and constant in religion to the end. Firm cleaving to Christian truth unites us to Christ, and thereby to the Father also; for they are one. Let us equally disregard those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ and those who transgress his commands.
Any who did not profess and preach the doctrine of Christ, respecting him as the Son of God and salvation by him from guilt and sin, were not to be noticed and countenanced. Yet in obeying this command, we must show kindness and a good spirit to those who differ from us in lesser matters but hold firmly the all-important doctrines of Christ's person, atonement, and holy salvation.
"Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write them] with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full. The children of thine elect sister salute thee." — 2 John 1:12-13 (ASV)
The apostle often reserves many matters for discussion in a personal meeting. Pen and ink are means of strengthening and comforting others; but seeing each other is even more so. The communion of saints should be maintained by all methods, and should foster mutual joy. In communion with them, we find much of our present joy and look forward to happiness forever.
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