Chapter: 1

2 John – Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

     1 The Presbyter,
     To the elect Lady and her children whom I love in truth, and not I only, but all who know the truth, 2 for the sake of the truth which dwells in us and will be with us forever:
     3 Grace, mercy, and peace be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

FRATERNAL LOVE

     4 I was very happy to find some of your children living according to the commandments of the true doctrine as we have been instructed by the Father. 5 Now I urge you, my Lady, let us love one another. This is not a new commandment. It is just the old commandment we have received from the beginning. 6 Love means that we must live according to his commandments. These commandments, as you have heard from the beginning, must be guided by love.

HERESY

     7 Many impostors have gone out into the world, men who deny that Jesus Christ has appeared in the flesh. This is what I call the work of the impostors and the Antichrist. 8 Look out for yourselves. Look out, do not lose what we have gained by your labor. Therefore persevere until we receive from God our full reward.
     9 Whoever wanders away and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ has repudiated God. Whoever abides in the doctrine of Christ believes in both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring the true doctrine, do not receive him in your house, nor give him any greeting. 11 For whoever greets him takes part in his wicked work.
     12 I have much to write to you, but I would rather not write it with ink on paper. I hope, however, to visit you and tell you all about it by word of mouth. That will be much more agreeable to you.
     13 The children of your Elect Sister send you their greetings. Amen.