Westminster Annotations, 2 John 2
ANNOTATIONS On the second Epistle of S. JOHN.
CHAP. I.
Vers. 1. THe elder] Some conceive that the apostle calleth himself so in humility, to equall himself with ordinary pastours, as Peter doeth, 1 Pet. 5. 1. Others think John called himself so in respect of his age. See on 1 Joh. 2. 1.
unto the elect lady] Some think her name was Elect. Others, that she was so called, because she was a choice woman for grace. Others, because the apostle knew by the Spirit that she was one of Gods elect, 1 Thes. 1. 4. She was a matron honoured for her wealth and liberality to the poor. Or, one that had some civil title of honour above others.
whom I love] Both mother and children.
in the truth] With a true and sincere love: or, according as God in his word hath appointed, which is called The truth, Joh. 17. 17. Or, in Christ, who is called The truth, Joh. 14. 6.
but also all the, &c.] Such of them as lived in those parts, and knew her piety. This she…weth, it was no private indirect love which John bare to her, arising out of particular ends; but a religious love, common to all saints.
V. 2. for the truths sake which dwelleth in us] The ground of my love, is the same lively faith wrought in us by Gods Spirit.
and shall be with us for ever] Which grace, where it hath once taken root, is never rooted out again, 1 Pet. 1. 23, 24, 25.
V. 3. Grace be with you, mercy and peace] Paul useth the same salutation, 1 Tim. 1. 2. 2 Tim. 1. 2. Tit. 1. 4. He wisheth them Gods favour to their persons, mercy to pardon their sins, and peace of conscience.
the Son of the Father] Joh 1. 18. and 3. 16.
in truth and love] Or, with truth and love. So that particle is used, Mark 1 23. and 5. 2. He wisheth them encrease of the knowledge of the truth, and of love one to another.
V. 4. I found] By experience, if at any time he conversed with them; or by relation of others, if he did not.
of thy children] Some of thy children.
walking in truth] Sincerely▪ or, as the truth of Gods word prescribes. See on v. 1.
V. 5. I beseech thee, lady] He intreateth, where he might command, as Paul doth, Phil…m. v. 9, 10. It may be he had some respect to the dignity of the lady, to whom he wrote.
a new commandment] See on 1 Joh. 2. 7. 8. I teach you no other doctrine then what ye received at first from the apostles. Joh. 12. 34.
that we love one another] Joh. 13. 34. and 15. 12.
V. 6. This is love] Herein it consists. Or, this is that love, mentioned, v. 5.
that we walk after his commandments] Then we love God and our brethren, when we walk after Gods commandments; that is, according to them, Joh. 14 15, 21, 23. and 15. 10. 1 Joh. 5. 2, 3. Rom. 8. 1. Lust, then, and sparing offendours whom we ought to reprove or punish, is not love, because i… is contrary to Gods commandments. Or, love is it whereby we are enabled to keep his commandments, Joh. 14. 21. and 15. 9, 10. Chap. 2. 23. and 5. 2, 3. Love must not be idle, but employed in doing good, according to Gods word.
this is the commandment] Of walking in the truth, v. 4. or of love, v. 5.
from the beginning] 1 Joh. 2. 7.
V. 7. For many deceivers] I have reason to urge you to constancy, because of false teachers, who seek to seduce you, 1 Joh. 2. 18, 22. and 4. 3. These are impostours or jugle…s, who can deceive quicksighted-men, if they be not very carefull, Matth. 27. 63.
that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh] 1 Joh. 4. 3.
V. 8. that we lose not the things] We Christians, or we that taught you, if ye continue not in good ways; for the reward is promised to such as continue to the end, Matth. 24. 13. others lose it, Gal. 3. 4.
we have wrought] Or, gained. Some copies read, which ye have gained, but that ye receive, &c.
V. 9. Whosoever transgresseth] Gods command of hearing Christ, Matth. 3. 17. Or, by apostacie forsaketh the truth in doctrine and life, contrary to v. 4.
hath not God] To his father, nor his Spirit to guide him.
V. 10. And bring not this doctrine] Received from Christ, v. 9. The meaning is, If he bring a contrary doctrine: else we should refuse the society of many private men, who are not able to teach at all; which is not here intended, Gal. 1. 8, 9.
receive him not into your house] Lodge not a false teacher, nor have no familiarity with him, lest he seduce you; and that ye may shew your zeal for the truth, and actually reprove him.
God speed] Gr. to rejoyce] That was the ordinary salutation of the Greeks, Acts 23. 26. as Peace be to you was of the Jews, Luke 10. 5. That is, shew him no countenance, nor give him any encouragement.
V. 11. is partaker of his evil deeds] Seemeth to allow of them, by his familiarity with him, and so may further him in seducing others, who would not regard the false teacher for himself.
V. 12. Having many things to write] He excuseth the shortnesse of his epistle, not by want of matter to write, but by the hope he had of seeing her shortly. For all things were not fit to be written; and a lively voice affects more then a letter.
face to face] Gr. mouth to mouth. Without any letter or messenger coming between, Exod. 33. 11. Num. 12. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 12. 3 Joh. v. 14.
V. 13. The children of thy elect sister greet thee] Vers▪ 1. Which were with John. So he sendeth other salutations, 3 Joh. v. 14. So doth Peter, 1 Pet. 5. 13. And Paul often, Rom. 16. 16, 21, 23. 1 Cor. 16. 20. 2 Cor. 13. 12. Phil. 4. 22. Col. 4. 14. 2 Tim. 4. 21. Tit. 3. 15. Philem. v. 23, 24. Heb. 13. 25.