2 John :1-3
Most of the early church attributed this letter to the apostle John, who was probably an older man at the time of writing (A.D. 90-95). The word “elder” refers to how the church revered him rather than his age. By this time John was the only surviving apostle who had actually seen the Lord Jesus Christ. It is interesting that he does not assert himself as a leading apostle, but in humility reveals that he is one with them. John ministered in the churches around Asia Minor which undoubtedly included the seven churches mentioned in Revelation.
The Second Letter of John is a much more personal letter, though it briefly addresses some of the same issues found in the First Letter. Instead of being a general letter, it was directed towards one particular church.
“The 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” (2 John :1).
The “elder”, as mentioned above, is John himself. Some have used the word found in this text to support an ‘eldership only’ form of church government, but John is not claiming any leadership position in this church. The “elect lady” is not the female pastor as some suggest, instead the term is used for a local church. The “children” are the members of the church in question. The word “elect” reveals that the members of this church refused to compromise the truth. Surely those who are “the elect” uphold Biblical truth and live it out in personal holiness and in true Christian love! “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (Colossians 3:12-17).
This church was greatly loved, in fact it had a lasting effect upon all who had come into contact with it. This Christian love was firmly founded upon the truth. Such love of truth is the only basis for church unity, for it should be the common denominator that binds all Bible-believing churches together.
“For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever” (2 John :2).
John did not just love this church, but he loved it “for the truth’s sake.” John Wesley describes this love as “a living principle of faith and holiness” (Notes on the New Testament). The apostle Paul, using similar terms, reveals how he gave his all as he ministered to others, “And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Corinthians 9:23) … “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
John was not some travelling evangelist who preached at a church and then forgot that it ever existed. As the truth of God is eternally with those who love His word, so John loved the church. How can there be any unity until this level of love of truth is evident in the hearts of those calling themselves Christian? “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) … “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” (Colossians 3:16). Those who have this love of the truth prove that they truly are the children of God, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23).
“Grace 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” (2 John :3).
Notice the terms John uses in the opening three verses: “Whom I love in the truth”, “They that have known the truth”, “For the truth’s sake” and “In truth and love.” Does not this emphasis the importance of truth within the local church? It is truth that makes love possible.
Truth and love are the basis for grace, mercy and peace amongst us. If these qualities are not seen in a church then it is evidence that there is no love for the truth or true Christian unity. Churches that have sought unity at the expense of truth simply become humanitarian social clubs that mistake sentimentality for love. The only way that we can establish unity is by walking in the truth ourselves. “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:13-16).
Grace, mercy and peace are the qualities of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. If we are to be one with God we will need these qualities too, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3).
For a church to be truly made up of “the elect” love and truth must perfectly coexist. It is these things that exalt a genuine Christian church above all the counterfeits.
Page created 4 April 2006