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Text:MHC Concise Second Epistle of John

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Created page with "{{Infobox_Contents | topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : John | subtopics = John | opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} * Text:EBD:John, S..."
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Matthew Henry Concise Bible Commentary : John |
subtopics = [[Apostle John|John]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* [[Text:EBD:John, Second Epistle of|Easton's Bible Dictionary entry on John]] |
}}

Read the [[Second Epistle of John|John]] from the [[Holy Bible|Bible]]

{{chapters}}

[[2 John 1|1]]

==Commentary==

[[Text:MHC Concise John 1|1]]

{{mhc import}}

'''Commentary on the [Second Epistle of John]]'''

This epistle is like an abridgement of the first; it touches, in few words, on the same points. The Lady Electa is commended for her virtuous and religious education of her children; is exhorted to abide in the doctrine of [[Christ]], to persevere in the truth, and carefully to avoid the delusions of false teachers. But chiefly the apostle beseeches her to practise the great commandment of [[Christian]] [[love]] and charity.
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'''Chapter''' 1

''Chapter Outline''

The apostle salutes the elect lady and her children.

(1-3)

Express his [[joy]] in their [[faith]] and love.

(4-6)

Cautions them against deceivers.

(7-11)

And concludes.

(12, 13)

'''Verses''' 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.

'''Verses''' 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.

'''Verses''' 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 [[Text:EBD:[[Text:EBD:Antichrist|Antichrist]]|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]].

'''Verses''' 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.

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[[Category:MHC Concise Bible Commentary|Second Epistle of John]]
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