2 John 1:7-13
7 “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward. 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. 12 Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister greet you.”
Verse 7: The elder warns the lady and her children about the presence of deceivers who deny the physicality of Jesus Christ. Jesus indeed came in the flesh, fully God and fully human. This truth is essential to our faith, as it demonstrates God’s compatibility with our humanity and His willingness to enter into our world to save us. Those who deny this truth are deceivers and are opposed to Christ’s work. We are called to be discerning and to hold fast to the truth of Jesus’ incarnation.
Verse 8: The elder urges the lady and her children to be vigilant and not to lose what they have worked for. In the New Covenant, our salvation and relationship with God are not based on our own efforts or works, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. We are called to rest in the grace and truth of the gospel, knowing that our reward is not earned through our own striving, but freely given to us by God. Our focus should be on abiding in Christ and trusting in His work, rather than on trying to earn rewards through our own efforts.
Verse 9: The elder emphasizes the importance of continuing in the teaching of Christ. In the New Covenant, our foundation is the teaching of Christ, which is centered on His finished work, grace, and love. Those who deviate from this teaching and try to add their own works or requirements for salvation do not have a true understanding of God. We are called to remain steadfast in the truth of the gospel, knowing that in Christ, we have both the Father and the Son.
Verse 10: The elder advises the lady and her children not to welcome or support those who bring false teachings. We are called to be discerning and to guard the truth of the gospel. This does not mean that we should isolate ourselves from unbelievers or those with different beliefs, but rather that we should be cautious about embracing teachings that contradict the core truths of the gospel. We are called to test everything against the truth of God’s Word and to hold fast to the teachings of Christ.
Verse 11: The elder warns that those who welcome and support false teachers become participants in their wicked work. We are called to stand firm in the truth and not to compromise our faith by aligning ourselves with false teachings. Our allegiance is to Christ and His truth, and we are called to be ambassadors of His grace and love. We should be cautious about the influence we allow into our lives and strive to align ourselves with those who uphold the teachings of Christ.
Verse 12-13: The elder expresses his desire to visit the lady and her children in person, rather than relying on written communication. Personal relationships and face-to-face interactions are valued. The joy of fellowship and mutual encouragement is experienced most fully when we are able to be present with one another. The mention of the greetings from the children of the lady’s sister reminds us of the unity and connection we have as believers, chosen by God.