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** This epistle is like an abridgement of the first; it touches,

in few words, on the same points. The Lady Electa is commended

for her virtuous and religious education of her children; is

exhorted to abide in the doctrine of Christ, to persevere in the

truth, and carefully to avoid the delusions of false teachers.

But chiefly the apostle beseeches her to practise the great

commandment of Christian love and charity.

- The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children. (1-3)

Express his joy in their faith and love. (4-6) Cautions them

against deceivers. (7-11) And concludes. (12,13)

‏ 2 John

1-3 Religion turns compliments into real expressions of respect

and love. And old disciple is honourable; an old apostle and

leader of disciples is more so. The letter is to a noble

Christian matron, and her children; it is well that the gospel

should get among such: 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 for ever. From the Divine Persons of the Godhead, the

apostle craves grace, Divine favour, and good-will, 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. 4-6 It is good to be trained to early religion; and children

may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the

apostle to see children treading in their parents' steps, and

likely in their 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 numbers who spread irreligion,

infidelity, and vice, among their children! Our walk is true,

our converse right, when according to the word of God. This

commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new

one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet,

as to the matter, 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 apostacies, or fallings away,

might engage the apostle to urge this duty, and this command,

frequently and earnestly. 7-11 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 such as abide not 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. 12,13 The apostle refers many things to a personal meeting. Pen

and ink were means of strengthening and comforting others; but

to see each other is more so. The communion of saints should be

maintained by all methods; and should tend to mutual joy. In

communion with them we find much of our present joy, and look

forward to happiness for ever.