Bible Exposition (2 John)

EXPOSITION TO 2 JOHN

This letter was written by "The Elder" who the earlier manuscript agree to be apostle John. John begins his second epistle with these words: “The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth" (2 John:1a). The apostle identified himself as “the elder", a title that reflects both his age at the time of the writing and his authority in the early church. It is generally agreed that the "elect lady" represents a local church congregation. If this interpretation is correct, then it's difficult to explain who her “children” are. It is better to view this lady as a friend of John who had actual children who were serving the Lord. According to Amplied version of 2 John:1" The elderly elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) lady (Cyria) and her children, whom I truly love—and not only I but also all who are [progressively] learning to recognize and know and understand the Truth". So, I think the apostle was referring to a specific lady called Cyria, am only thinking not sure, so I stand corrected if am wrong.

There are actually two elect ladies mentioned in 2 John. The apostle concludes his letter by relaying a message: “The children of thy elect sister greet thee” (2 John 1:13, KJV). So, we have an “elect lady” who receives the letter, and she has an “elect sister” whose children (her nieces and nephews) also know John. The mention of this other elect lady and her children further supports the view that John is writing to actual individuals. The lady and her family were chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and made part of the family of God (John 1:12).

The word elect means “chosen.”

There are two categories of those who are elect, or chosen, in Scripture: those who are part of the nation of Israel and those who are in the universal Church.

Our major focus here is not actually on which view should be accepted, whether she is an individual or a local church is not any problem and definitely not my major focus today, rather I want us to focus on the truth of this epistle which is centered on truth and love. We are to love the doctrine of Christ and our brethren in truth and love. With the KJV we can notice that the truth was mentioned 5 times from verse 1-4 and love was mentioned twice deliberately.

The emphasis is on the truth of the Gospel of Christ and love for the brethren. We must abide in the doctrine of Christ in truth and love the brethren in the light of that truth.

From verse 9-10 "Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed or give him any encouragement",

we can see that it is not a sin to refuse to accept or welcome into your house anyone who brings a contrary doctrine, in fact, the "The Elder" instructs us not to receive him into your house.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help me to hold on to your truth and love! Keep me steadfast lest I be led astray by decievers in Jesus name, Amen.