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Commentary on The Second Letter of Saint John

1 The elder: Or, "the presbyter". The Greek term can refer to an elderly man or to an ordained shepherd of the Church, such as an apostle (1 Pet 5:1) or priest (Acts 14:23). John was both an apostle and an older man at the time of writing. See word study: Elders at Jas 5:14. the elect lady: Some think the addressee is an individual matron, named Electa or Kyria (the Greek is eklektē kyria). More likely, it is a local Church, as suggested by the greeting from a sister community in verse 13. John envisions this local congregation in the same way that Paul envisions the universal Church: as feminine and maternal (Eph 5:23; CCC 2040). See introduction to 2 John: Themes and Characteristics. Back to text.

3 Grace, mercy, and peace: The same greeting is used in 1 and 2 Timothy and represents an expansion of the more usual formula, "grace and peace" (Rom 1:7; 1 Pet 1:2; Rev 1:4). Back to text.

4 some of your children: The implication of this statement is uncertain. Either John had made contact with only "some" of his readers, and these he found obeying the gospel, or else he implies that only "some" of those he encountered were doing well, while others were not. The absence of any rebuke in the letter, along with the general affirmation in verse 8, seems to favor the former interpretation. Back to text.

5 from the beginning: John's teaching about love is not new but is traceable back to the initial catechesis of his readers (6; 1 Jn 3:11). love one another: The supreme mandate that Christ has laid upon his disciples (Jn 13:34). The meaning of his words is explained by his example, which shows us that Christian love is not an emotion, but an act of the will that adheres to the commandments of God (Jn 14:31) and expresses itself through heroic generosity and sacrifice, even to the point of death (Jn 15:13). Back to text.

7 many deceivers: Heretical teachers who denied that God the Son came in the flesh as a man. In doing so, they exchanged the truth of the gospel for lies and became "false prophets" who streamed out "into the world" with their errors (1 Jn 4:1) (CCC 465). Behind this warning is John's concern that these troublemakers might destroy the faith of others, as well (1 Jn 2:26). See note on 1 Jn 4:2. the antichrist: A title given to anyone who denies the Father and the Son and attacks the messianic claims of Jesus (1 Jn 2:22; CCC 675). See note on 1 Jn 2:18. Back to text.

8 what you have worked for: The attainment of salvation (Phil 2:12) as well as additional rewards bestowed for faithful service (1 Cor 3:14). Back to text.

9 one who goes ahead: The Greek text envisions someone who "goes beyond" the limits of authentic Christian doctrine. No hint is given as to their motives, but such individuals are often described as "progressives" who not only embrace novel teachings, but who leave behind the truths of apostolic faith in the process. does not have God: Faith in God and fellowship with God go hand in hand. John is insistent on this point and warns that breaking away from the true faith means breaking away from the one true God. Back to text.

10 into the house: A house church used for Christian assembly. Private homes were a common venue for fellowship, catechesis, and liturgy in apostolic times (Acts 2:46; 1 Cor 16:19). John wants to block deceivers (2 Jn 7) from gaining admittance to these gatherings and disseminating their errors. Hospitality could prove harmful in this extreme situation. Back to text.

12 paper: Literally, "papyrus". The limited writing space on a single sheet of papyrus probably determined the length of the letter. face to face: John voices his preference for personal rather than written instruction. The same sentiment is expressed in 3 Jn 13-14 and by Paul in 1 Cor 11:34. Back to text.

13 your elect sister: An unnamed sister Church (possibly Ephesus) in the region. Back to text.