Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—

“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.”

because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

“For the truth's sake--joined with "I love," 2Jo 1. "They who love in the truth, also love on account of the truth." dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever--in consonance with Christ's promise.”

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.

“Grace be with you--One of the oldest manuscripts and several versions have "us" for you. The Greek is literally, "Grace shall be with us," that is, with both you and me. A prayer, however, is implied besides a confident affirmation. grace . . .”

I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.

“See Introduction, at the end, and 2Jo 12; 3Jo 10, 14. of thy children--some. in truth--that is, in the Gospel truth. as--even as. "The Father's commandment" is the standard of "the truth."”

And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

“Love performs both tables of the law, and is the end of the law and the Gospel alike (compare Notes, see on 1Jo 2:7, 8). that we--implying that he already had love, and urging her to join him in the same Christian grace.”

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

“"Love is the fulfilling of the law" (Ro 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.”

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

“Jesus . . . in the flesh--the token of Antichrist. is come--Greek, "coming." He who denies Christ's coming in the flesh, denies the possibility of the incarnation; he who denies that he has come, denies its actuality.”

Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.

“The loss (2Jo 8) meant is here explained: the not having God, which results from abiding not in the doctrine of Christ.”

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.

“If there come any--as a teacher or brother. The Greek is indicative, not subjunctive; implying that such persons do actually come, and are sure to come; when any comes, as there will.”

Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

“By wishing a false brother or teacher "God (or 'good') speed," you imply that he is capable as such of good speed and joy (the literal meaning of the Greek), and that you wish him it while opposing Christ; so you identify yourself with "his…”

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink.

“Parchment was used for the permanent manuscripts in which the Epistles were preserved. Writing tablets were used merely for temporary purposes, as our slates. face to face--literally, "mouth to mouth." full--Greek, "filled full."”