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)
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
Verses 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.
Verse 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.
