Chapter 1
Salutation
1 The elder…
The author identifies himself. This is a term which is used to describe an old man, as well as a minister of the Church.
…to the elect lady and her children, …
The author identifies the recipients. Some think that this is an actual person, but most conclude that John is using a rather poetic way of describing a sister church (“the elect lady”) and the members of that congregation (“her children”).
…whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us for ever:
John speaks words of affection concerning the congregation.
John Bingo: “love”, “truth” (x3) and “abide”.
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
John expands upon the Pauline “grace and peace” by including “mercy”.
John Bingo: “truth” and “love”
Truth and Love
4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children following the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
Paul commends the members of the congregation who faithfully follow the Faith. However, there is the implication here that not all members of the congregation are doing so well…
5 And now I beg you, lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
John refers his readers to the fundamental commandment of Christ, to love one another, a commandment which itself is found in the Old Testament.
John Bingo: “beginning” and “love”
6 And this is love, that we follow his commandments; this is the commandment, as you have heard from the beginning, that you follow love.
John now goes on to explain what love means – following the commandments of God.
John Bingo: “beginning” and “love” (x2)
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
John now turns to speak about the malicious element which has been making its way into the Church (“deceivers”). As in 1 John, he calls them by the title of “antichrist”. The charge he lays against them is that they deny “the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh”. This is most likely a reference to proto-Gnostics. This group denied that Jesus came in the flesh because they held that all matter, including the body, is evil. “Spirit good, body bad” would be a good way of quickly summarizing their doctrine. In denying the bodily coming of Jesus they denied the incarnation, the passion, resurrection and ascension.
8 Look to yourselves, that you may not lose what you have worked for, but may win a full reward.
John warns his readers to not fall away from the Faith, but to run the race until the end.
9 Any one who goes ahead and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; he who abides in the doctrine has both the Father and the Son.
John speaks of the consequences of denying the Son.
John Bingo: “Father” and “Son”
10 If any one comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house or give him any greeting; 11 for he who greets him shares his wicked work.
John warns his readers to have nothing to do with these false teachers.
Final Greetings
12 Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink, but I hope to come to see you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
This verse reminds us that the primary means of spreading Christianity in the Early Church, as well as dealing with issues within the Church, was oral communication rather than written documents.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you.
The members of John’s local congregation send their best wishes.