The Second Epistle of John was written in Ephesus about 90-110 AD, apparently by the same author or authors who wrote the Gospel of John and the other two epistles of John. It's main message to walk after Christ, beware of false teachers, false church doctrines, and to separate yourself from these deceivers.
1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth. The "elder" (one who presides over the assemblies. Elect: One chosen... This elect lady would be Cyria, from Strong's Greek "Κυρία Kuria koo-ree'-ah" Feminine of G2962; Cyria, a Christian woman to whom the second Epistle of John is addressed. Also to those who have known the truth from what he taught in the first epistle of John and in the book of John.
2For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. The truth in our hearts forever. God's Word never changes, it just reveals more to us as we read it over and over. "There is always something new to learn in Gods Word."
3Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. God the Father and Jesus the Son will bless us with great mercy, peace, truth and love.
4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. Following the truth and obeying God's command. John was seeing those he taught converting others and it was very pleasing to him, just as it is pleasing to the Heavenly Father when we continue his work.
5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. Lady again feminine of 2962, koo'-ree-os From kuros (supremacy); supreme in authority, that is, (as noun) controller; by implication Mr. (as a respectful title): - God, Lord, master, Sir. John was saying lets get real serious here. Loving the brethren with real love as well as tough love. This was taught from the beginning. "All God wants is your love." (Hosea 6:6, Revelation 4:11).
6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. If we love God we will do what He tells us to do. Not just read it and talk about it. If you have a truth, share it with your fellow brother and sister because you love them and care about them. They may not listen, but at least you tried.
7For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Beware of false teachers, false doctrines, and traditions of men. Many who claim to be followers of God; some even Christian, don't believe that Jesus came to earth in the flesh as a human being with a body like ours. Such people are against the truth and against Christ.
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Don't be like them. (False teachers and hypocrites). "Never let anyone rob you of the truth that you know, and the rewards that follow."
9Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. One doctrine; one God! If you wander from the teachings of Christ, you will leave God behind; but if you are loyal to Christ and His teachings, you will have both the Father and the Son. The Father and the Son bring eternal life to those who believe in the one true Christ.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: If anyone comes to teach anything other than what Christ taught, don't even invite them into your home. Don't encourage them in any way.
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. If you encourage or support them in any way, you become a partaker in their evil deeds and wickedness. When you tithe to a church that is not teaching truth of the Word, you become a partaker. "Supporting false doctrine and traditions of men makes you an accomplice to evil deeds."
12Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. John wanted to see the brethren in person and he was looking forward to a good time when he returned.
13The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. Greetings and Amen. That's That.
Keep The Faith,Barton