2 John 1
John 3 John is a personal letter that the apostle John sends to a person named Gaius. In the opening, John calls himself a “presbyter,” refers to Gaius as “the one he loves,” and expresses respect and affection. He then prays that just as Gaius’s soul prospers, everything will go well for him and that he will be in good health. This shows John’s heart, which values not only spiritual well-being but also material and physical peace.
1verseThe elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,
2versefor the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:
3verseGrace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4verseI rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
5verseNow I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6verseThis is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
7verseFor many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.
8verseWatch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.
9verseWhoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10verseIf anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him,
11versefor he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
12verseHaving many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.
13verseThe children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
Praise for Gaius (Verses 3–8)
In this part, John is glad to hear that Gaius is acting in the truth and has treated laypeople (or traveling missionaries) outside the church with kindness and love. In particular, verses 5–8 emphasize that the love with which he served brothers who came from the outside is a fitting act offered to God. This highlights the importance of a Christian’s practical love, hospitality, and attitude of living by the truth.
The Problem with Diotrephes (Verses 9–10)
John mentions Diotrephes, who is asserting himself within the church, and criticizes him for wanting “to be first,” despising the authority of the apostles, and even rejecting those who are trying to do good. This scene shows that even in the early church, issues of human ambition and division were always lurking.
A Good Example and a Bad Example (Verses 11–12)
John urges readers not to imitate evil but to imitate good. He emphasizes that the one who does good belongs to God. He also praises a person named Demetrius, recommending that his life and conduct align with the truth. This suggests that we should follow the person who becomes an example of faith.
Closing Remarks (Verses 13–15)
John ends by saying that although he would like to write a longer letter, he hopes to meet in person soon. In the final greeting, you can find expressions of peace and greetings from the friends, which also hints at the importance of personal relationships and fellowship.
Meditation Points
- Am I practicing love and hospitality in the community I belong to?
- Am I becoming a good example of faith that has a positive influence within the truth?
- If there is division or conflict in the church, how can it be overcome?
Put It into Practice for Yourself
- I check whether my words and actions are becoming spiritual comfort and strength for someone.
- I reflect on whether my attitude toward the truth and practical love are in balance in my life.
- I consider whether I live with humility in fellowship with others and make an effort to avoid disputes.
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This is the last chapter of 2 John.