2 ยอห์น 1:6 วิจารณ์

The apostle here salutes an honourable matron and her children (Jo2 1:1-3). Recommends to them faith and love (Jo2 1:5, Jo2 1:6). Warns them of deceivers (Jo2 1:7), and to take heed to themselves (Jo2 1:8). Teaches how to treat those who bring not the doctrine of Christ (Jo2 1:10, Jo2 1:11). And, referring other things to personal discourse, concludes the epistle (Jo2 1:12, Jo2 1:13).

The writer of this epistle describes himself by his office, an "elder", and inscribes it to a certain matron, whom he styles, on account of her honour and riches, a "lady"; and by reason of her grace, "elect"; and to her children, who, as well as herself, were the objects of the apostle's love, and of all that knew the truth, and that for the sake of it, which was common to them all, , the salutation follows, Jo2 1:3, and then a congratulation of the lady, that some of her children walked in the same path of truth with herself, Jo2 1:4, and next an exhortation to brotherly love, which is the commandment from the beginning; the evidence of which love is walking according to that, and every other command of God, Jo2 1:5, and the rather this should be closely attended to, since many deceivers, who were no other than antichrist, had got into the world, who did not own that Christ was come in the flesh; wherefore it became those that were concerned for his name and glory, as well as their own interest, to take heed lest what was wrought should be lost, and so a full reward be not received, Jo2 1:7, and then a description of these deceivers and false teachers is given; that they are transgressors of the rule of God's word, abide not in the doctrine of Christ, and so have not God, any interest in him; whereas he that abides in the doctrine of Christ has an interest both in the Father and in the Son, Jo2 1:9, wherefore the apostle gives advice to the lady how to behave towards such; not to receive them into her house, nor wish them success, since so to do would be to join with them in their evil deeds, Jo2 1:10, and then he excuses the shortness of his letter, though he had many things to write unto her, yet would not, because he hoped shortly to visit her, and then would personally relate what he had to communicate to their mutual joy, Jo2 1:12, and closes the epistle with the salutation of her sister's children to her, Jo2 1:13.

And this is love, that we walk after his commandments,.... By observing them as a rule of conversation, in so doing love is shown to God; and such may expect the fresh discoveries of the love of God to, them; See Gill on Jo1 5:3; this is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it; that is, this is the will of God, that his people should walk in the truth of the Gospel, and abide by it, as they heard and received it at their first conversion, from the mouths of the apostles, or other faithful ministers of the word; a reason for which, is given in Jo2 1:7.

Meanwhile let us continue in the way we have come along so far, until God reveals it to us if we are otherwise minded.

For it is the same to walk according to the commandments and to receive them. For virtues operate and exist according to their operation. Therefore, whoever ceases to progress in these, neither keeps nor guards them. To walk, indeed, is said according to development and growth. For as much as one operates according to virtue, so much further one progresses, acquiring a greater habit of honor. For the way of virtue is infinite and never failing. According to this, I think that this has also been said: "In which things the angels desire to look." (1 Peter 1:12) For such is the magnificence of the goods that have been granted to us by Him who was incarnate, that it is desirable even for the angels to take a slight understanding of these things; for this is what "to look" (παρακΰψαι) indicates. However, someone desires not what ceases, but what continually progresses, and is illuminated by sincere glory. And since that which is inexhaustible cannot be fully embraced by anyone, it is at least desirable to become a participant in it to some extent.

"Not as a new commandment." And this is in agreement with what is said in the first epistle (1 John 2:7). He also adds the requirement of the commandment: "that we love one another." And he explains concerning love that its essence consists in walking according to it, and the commandment concerning it is a commandment from the beginning, and was given for nothing other than that you should walk according to it.

The apostle's address to a Christian matron and her children, Jo2 1:1-3. He rejoices to find that certain of her family had received, and continued to adorn, the truth; and he exhorts them to continue to love one another according to the commandment of Christ, Jo2 1:4-6, And particularly cautions them against deceivers, and to so watch, that they might not lose the benefit of what they had received, Jo2 1:7, Jo2 1:8. The necessity of abiding in the doctrine of Christ, Jo2 1:9. He cautions them against receiving, or in any way forwarding, those who did not bring the true doctrine of Christ, Jo2 1:10, Jo2 1:11. Excuses himself from writing more largely, and purposes to pay her and family a visit shortly, Jo2 1:12, Jo2 1:13.

And this is love - That is, our love is shown and proved by our walking according to the commandments of God; for love is the principle of obedience.

The elder--In a familiar letter John gives himself a less authoritative designation than "apostle"; so Pe1 5:1. lady--BENGEL takes the Greek as a proper name Kyria, answering to the Hebrew "Martha." Being a person of influence, "deceivers" (Jo2 1:7) were insinuating themselves into her family to seduce her and her children from the faith [TIRINUS], whence John felt it necessary to write a warning to her. (But see my Introduction and Pe1 5:13). A particular Church, probably that at Babylon, was intended. "Church" is derived from Greek "Kuriake," akin to Kuria, or Kyria here; the latter word among the Romans and Athenians means the same as ecclesia, the term appropriated to designate the Church assembly. love in the truth--Christian love rests on the Christian truth (Jo2 1:3, end). Not merely "I love in truth," but "I love in THE truth." all--All Christians form one fellowship, rejoicing in the spiritual prosperity of one another. "The communion of love is as wide as the communion of faith" [ALFORD].

"Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Rom 13:10), and the fulfilling of the law is the sure test of love. This is the commandment--Greek, "The commandment is this," namely, love, in which all God's other commandments are summed up.