2John:1-5

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* Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . * Verse 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 . mhcc @2John:1:12 ,13 @ 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 . Henry ' _3_1 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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