2 John

2 John 1–6 “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; for the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 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. I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”

Open Introduction

John introduces himself as he did in 3 John as the elder.

The elect lady and her children is referring to a group of believers who have organized as a church.

John says he loves them in the truth. They are known for walking in truth. They do the things that God wants them to do.

Not only is John happy with them walking in truth but all those that have walked in truth before. Walking in the ways of God is the common bond that brings people together.

Salutation

John wishes 3 things for the people

Grace - Unmerited favor of God to mankind.

Salvation - saved by grace

Empowering - active divine power to overcome sin and live a holy life

Unconditional Acceptance - He gives mercy where judgement should have been given

Mercy - compassion for the miserable. Because of the mercy of Christ, he reconciled sinful mankind back to the father.

Peace - wholeness, being complete spiritually, harmony and well being.

Request

John acknowledges the way the people of the elect lady are walking - walking in truth. His request is they continue to do so.

Matthew 22:37–40 “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”