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2 John 1

Hendriksen
‹ Chapter 0 2 John — All Chapters Chapter 2 ›

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�CTDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 1 3 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 I. Introduction) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 1 2 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A. Address) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 3 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 51-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. Greetings) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4 11 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 II. Instruction) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4 6 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data IE-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A. Request and Command) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 4 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0

  1. Commendation) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 5 6 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Exhortation) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ‘#-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 7 11 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B. Warning) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data %!-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 7 8 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data WS-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  3. Description and Admonition) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 9 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  4. Instruction) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 10 11 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 95-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0
  5. Prohibition) TDc.BestWidthMc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data )%-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 12 13 ) TDc.BestWidthsc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 III. Conclusion) 7 5 3 8 0 0 I. Introduction ) 1 3 ) 1 The elder, ) To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth and not I only, but also all who know the truth 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever. ) 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father s Son, will be with us in truth and love. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Address) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 1 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Second Epistle of John belongs to the category ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 general Epistles) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . However, it differs significantly from the first epistle, which does not have a reference to the author and lacks an address. But II John is a personal letter with information about the writer and the recipients of the epistle. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  6. The elder,) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth and not I only, but also all who know the truth 2. because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 a. The elder. With this title the writer identifies himself. He omits his personal name, John, and he does not call himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the address is not like those of Peter s and Paul s letters. ) What is the meaning of the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 elder?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The term means either church leader or elderly person. If the writer is a church official, why does he say that he is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 elder ? He does not write an elder, as does Peter when he addresses the church: To the elders among you, I appeal as ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 a) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.1|AUTODETECT|” fellow elder 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.1|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , italics added). He cannot be an elder in a local congregation, for his compelling influence reaches beyond the boundaries of one church. For example, we read in the third epistle that the writer, who calls himself the elder (v. 1), does not belong to the same local church as Diotrephes does (v. 9). Because of his authority, he cannot be an elder in one congregation. He fills a much higher position. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Why, then, does he not use the title ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 apostle?) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In the second and third epistles apostolicity is not an issue. We assume that his readers knew that he was an apostle. Especially, in the last decades of the first century, his readers knew John as the only surviving apostle. That is, the apostle John had reached advanced age and bore the honorable title ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the elder) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. To the chosen lady and her children. Once again, John does not provide a name. When he writes the chosen lady, he may have in mind a particular family consisting of a woman and her offspring. The broader family, of course, includes the children of the woman s sister (v. 13). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Another explanation is that John uses this cryptic address as a veiled reference to a church. Verse 13 , accordingly, denotes another congregation. This parallels Peter s ambiguous speech at the conclusion to his first epistle. Referring to a church, Peter writes, She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Early Christians often endured intense persecution in the second half of the first century. For this reason, writers tried to safeguard the recipients by using innocuous names as designations for the church.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.29|AUTODETECT|” �� In the New Testament, the symbolic representation of the church is often a woman 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.29|AUTODETECT|” John 3:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.25-49.5.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.25-49.5.33|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:25 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Many scholars favor the explanation that John employs symbolism for describing congregations to which he wrote his second epistle. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. Whom I love in the truth and not I only, but also all who know the truth. The word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs four times in these first three verses. John intimates that this term conveys an important concept. When he mentions truth in his epistles, he contrasts it with falsehood.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.3-62.2.4|AUTODETECT|” �� John speaks not merely for himself. He speaks for the Christian church when he declares that all who know the truth love the recipients of his letter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.3-62.2.4|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 d. Because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever. The translators of the New International Version regard the last part of verse 1 as a parenthetical statement, so that verse 2 is linked to the clause whom I love in the truth. John places the emphasis on the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and connects the expressions ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 love) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 truth) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.18|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.18|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.0|AUTODETECT|” III John 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Truth unites Christians because it is basic, resides within them, and remains forever. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������ ����� the word ����� (lady) occurs only in this letter (vv. 1, 5). The noun ������� (elect) is common in the New Testament (twenty-three occurrences). The words can represent proper names: to the elect Kyria or to the lady Electa. Also, the words can refer metaphorically to a local congregation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �� this pronoun occurs twice: the first time for emphasis, the second time to specify. ) �������� from the verb ������� (I know), this perfect active participle has lost the notion of completion (punctiliar) and holds on to the linear alone in the present sense. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Greetings) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father s Son, will be with us in truth and love.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here is an apostolic greeting that compares with the salutations of Peter and Paul, who write the words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grace and peace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 at the beginning of their epistles.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.2|AUTODETECT|” �� In two of the pastoral Epistles, Paul expands his greetings: Grace, mercy and peace 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Grace, mercy and peace. The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grace) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” is not common to the literature of John 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.14|AUTODETECT|” John 1:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.16|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.17|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.17|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.4|AUTODETECT|” III John 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.4|AUTODETECT|” [translated joy ]; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.22.21|AUTODETECT|” 22:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). What is the meaning of this salutation? In his inimitable manner, John Albert Bengel summarizes the meaning of the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 grace, mercy and peace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in these words: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 removes guilt; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 mercy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 removes misery; ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 peace) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 expresses a continuance in grace and mercy. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� And B. F. Westcott makes the following distinction: Grace points to the absolute freedom of God s love in relation to man s helplessness to win it; and mercy to His tenderness towards man s misery. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
  5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Peace stands for harmony, trust, rest, safety, and freedom; it is God s gift to man.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
  6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. From God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father s Son. Paul uses similar greetings (with only slight variations) in his letters to Timothy. However, John is more articulate when he places Jesus Christ on the same level as God the Father. John repeats the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 from) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|” and notes that Jesus is the Son of God the Father. As in his first epistle, John opposes false doctrines concerning Jesus Christ and explicitly teaches Jesus divinity 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|” 4:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.1|AUTODETECT|” 5:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.5|AUTODETECT|”
  7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II John 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Jesus is the Son of God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” c. Will be with us in truth and love. John s greeting deviates considerably from that of the rest of the writers of New Testament epistles. Paul, Peter, and Jude convey their greeting in the form of a prayer or a wish: Grace and peace be yours in abundance 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But John is definite, because he does not express a wish but declares that grace, mercy and peace & will be with us. He adds the words ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 in truth and love) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . The three virtues (grace, mercy, and peace) flourish in an environment where truth and love prevail. Truth unites the Christian community when it faces the common foe of falsehood; it is evident among Christians when they demonstrate their unity in showing love toward one another. Then the Christian church prays the prayer John Greenleaf Whittier composed, ) 7 5 3 8 0 0 Drop Thy still dews of quietness, ) Till all our strivings cease; ) Take from our souls the strain and stress, ) And let our ordered lives confess ) The beauty of Thy peace. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ���� John resorts twice to the use of this preposition: before ���� and again before 8���� to show equality. In a similar greeting, Paul writes �� 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 8���� some manuscripts include the word ������ (Lord) before 8����. In John s epistles, however, the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Lord) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 does not appear. Moreover, translators prefer to omit the term on the basis of manuscript evidence and the context of the passage. ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 II. Instruction ) 4 11 ) 4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing to you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. ) 7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 A. Request and Command) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John is ready to formulate the message of his epistle that begins with verse 4 and continues through verse 11. In this segment he exhorts his readers to remain in the truth, to keep God s precepts, and to watch out for false teachers who are bent on deceiving them. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Commendation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.8|AUTODETECT|” The praise that John showers upon his readers differs little from that of a similar verse in the third epistle: It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth (v. 3). In his epistles, Paul first greets his readers and then speaks words of thanks and praise 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). John s style, therefore, conforms to the rules of conventional correspondence of that day. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. It has given me great joy. Either by visiting the readers or, more likely, by receiving a report from others, John rejoices greatly in the news that some of the readers are walking in the truth. The wording is vague because John does not explain why only some of the children are obeying God s command. John may mean that some people obey this command while others are accepting the heretical teaching of false prophets. However, this news would give John only partial joy. John can also mean that he is acquainted with some of the members of the church, and that he knows that they walk in the truth. Nevertheless, we cannot be certain of John s intention. We lack the necessary information. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.6-62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” b. Walking in the truth. This expression conveys the idea of a believer who confesses the truth of God s Word and who lives in harmony with that Word. Everything he says or does portrays a life that is governed by God s law. John writes that the Father has commanded us to walk in the truth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.6-62.1.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” 2:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” 3:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). By his use of the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Father,) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.17-43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John indirectly reminds his readers that truth came through Jesus Christ & the One and Only, who is at the Father s side 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.17-43.1.18|AUTODETECT|” John 1:17 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 ����� the aorist passive from ����� (I rejoice) is active in meaning. The use of the aorist points to a definite moment in history. ) �U���� the perfect active of the verb �Q����� (I find) indicates an event that happened in the past but that has results for the present. ) � ��� ������ the indefinite pronoun ����� (some) should be supplied preceding this prepositional phrase. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  2. Exhortation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 5 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  3. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Note the following points: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (a) Command ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John has come to the main message of his letter and asks for the recipient s undivided attention. He addresses the members of the church, which he metaphorically calls dear lady, and tells them that he is not writing a new command. John uses the term ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 command) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” three times in this passage to indicate his derived authority. The command is not new but old. That is, we have had [it] from the beginning. God the Father gave this command through his Son to us 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.34|AUTODETECT|” John 13:34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We have had this command ever since Jesus preached the gospel during his earthly ministry. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The wording of this passage is almost identical to passages in the first epistle: Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning (2:7), and This is love for God: to obey his commands (5:3). The conclusion that the epistles of John come from the same author is inevitable. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (b) Love ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” The command is that we love one another. The first time this command appears is when the nation Israel traveled through the Sinai desert. Then God told the people, Love your neighbor as yourself 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.19.18|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 19:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” ). He also gave them the command, Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.6.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 6:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.36-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” How do we love God and our neighbor? By obeying the commands God has given us. The commands to love are not two individual precepts God gave the people of Israel. Every command of God is a requirement to show love to him and to our neighbor 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.36-40.22.40|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:36 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.8-45.13.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.8-45.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:8 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.14|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law, says Paul 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 13:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). When we obey God s commands, we demonstrate our love to him. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (c) Conduct ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.11|AUTODETECT|” John repeats what he has written earlier: As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.23|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.11|AUTODETECT|” 4:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ). His repetition includes the hearing of the command from the beginning and the exhortation to walk in love. Why does John fall into repetition? Because we have a tendency to hear but not to listen obediently. We hear the command but fail to obey. The old rule still holds: Repetition is the mother of learning. Our conduct must conform to that of Jesus, for whoever claims to live in [God] must walk as Jesus did 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John describes our daily conduct with the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to walk) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 a verb he uses three times in this passage. As we walk about from place to place with confidence and assurance, so we ought to reflect steadfastness in obeying God s commands to love him and our neighbor. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 It is possible for someone to be a staunch defender of the truth of God s Word and not show any love toward others. He promotes Scripture s truth, its integrity and unity, and he professes its trustworthiness. But in his relations with persons who hold other views, he maintains a strict separation of truth and love. The church respects him for his love for the Word of God because he is walking in the truth (v. 4). However, no one has the boldness to question whether he is walking in love (v. 6). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Although someone s commitment to the truth may be impeccable, his love for others can be woefully inadequate. Scripture teaches that love is not afraid of the truth, for love and truth are companions 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II John 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.6|AUTODETECT|” ). As Paul says, Love always rejoices in the truth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.13.6|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 13:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ). And in another place he writes that the Christians ought to speak the truth in love 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.4.15|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 4:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Love is not a fleeting emotion but a lasting commitment. Love is a genuine manifestation and fulfillment of the Golden Rule, Do to others as you would have them do to you 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.6.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 6:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.18|AUTODETECT|” ). John puts it pointedly when he exhorts his readers, Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.18|AUTODETECT|” 1 John 3:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���� John has chosen the verb ����� (I request) instead of �0��� (I ask). The first verb occurs when persons of equal dignity request something of each other.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �P� a� not as if. The combination of these two adverbs introduces the concessive or conditional notion. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.7|AUTODETECT|” �4����� refer to ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for comments. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5�� ������� this is the indirect command after the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to request) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 B. Warning) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 7 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Description and Admonition) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 The purpose of John s letter is to alert the readers to the spiritual dangers they are facing. They ought to recognize false teachers who tamper with the truth of God s Word. And they should zealously guard the heritage of God s truth. ) John calls the false teacher a deceiver and an antichrist. He describes him for his readers and admonishes them not to lose their spiritual possessions. ) Furthermore, if the believers obey God s precepts, demonstrate their love, and guard the truth, God will bless them. Writes Alfred Plummer, Truth no less than love is the condition of receiving the threefold blessing of grace, mercy, and peace. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver, and the antichrist. 8. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. Many deceivers & have gone out into the world. The translators of the New International Version have omitted the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 because) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.1|AUTODETECT|” which stands at the beginning of the sentence in Greek. Apart from minor variations, this sentence resembles ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.1|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” , Because many false prophets have gone out into the world. John calls these false prophets deceivers, for they are filled with a spirit of deception and seek the spiritual destruction of Christians. There are many deceivers. We assume that formerly they were part of the Christian community. They left the church 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) to make the world the domain for their pernicious doctrines. And in the world they try to persuade the Christians to accept their views. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. Who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. Note that John mentions the full name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, to remind his readers of his human and divine nature. These deceivers continue to proclaim their opposition to the teaching that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Already in his first epistle, John warns the readers to test the spirits: Every spirit [teaching] that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God (4:2 3). Even though there is similarity between this passage and that of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II John 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , the difference in the verb forms ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 has come) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.2|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 as coming) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=63.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II John 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is obvious. The one verb is in the past tense, the other in the present. Is there a difference in meaning? Hardly. The past tense describes Jesus earthly ministry, and the present tense is a descriptive term about Christ. In the New Testament, the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the one who is coming) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.2|AUTODETECT|” is a messianic designation 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.11.2|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 11:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.15|AUTODETECT|” John 1:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.27|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.13|AUTODETECT|” 12:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Thus, John applies the present tense of the participle ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 coming) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to Jesus Christ as a testimony to anyone who denies this truth. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. John is not afraid to give the false teacher names. Here he calls him not only ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 deceiver, but also ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.18|AUTODETECT|” antichrist that is, the person who comes in the place of Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.18|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.3|AUTODETECT|” 4:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). At the beginning of this verse (v. 7), John refers to many deceivers; therefore we should understand the appellation ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the antichrist) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as a collective name. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.5|AUTODETECT|” d. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for. In these words we hear an echo of Jesus discourse on the signs of the end of the age. Jesus begins his teaching with the warning, Watch out that no one deceives you 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.5|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see vv. 9, 23, 33). Similarly, John tells the readers to keep their eyes on their spiritual possessions so that they will not lose them. He no longer requests them to do something. Instead he gives them a command. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 We have three different translations for verse 8. Here they are with the variations in italics: ) 1. that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [do] not lose those things ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have worked for, but that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 receive a full reward -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12” NKJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13” KJV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  1. so that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 may not lose all that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 worked for, but receive ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 your) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 reward in full -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14” NEB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15” NASB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16” ASV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17” RV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18” GNB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19” JB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0
  2. that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 do not lose what ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 have worked for, but that ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 may be rewarded fully -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20” NIV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and see ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21” NAB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22” RSV) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 10 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23” MLB) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 11 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” Moffatt) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The better Greek manuscripts have the reading ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in place of we. Translators therefore favor either the second or the third reading. The difference between these two readings is the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we worked for) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 over against ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 you) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 worked for. Although translators are about equally divided on this point, the more difficult reading is ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 we) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 worked for and is to be preferred.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 What is the meaning of the phrase ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 rewarded fully?) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.9|AUTODETECT|” It does not mean salvation which, because it is a gift, cannot be earned 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.8-49.2.9|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We merit a reward for faithfulness, obedience, and diligence. Nevertheless, a reward is also a gift of God and therefore one further token of the free grace of God. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.8|AUTODETECT|” �� Scripture teaches that a worker in God s kingdom receives his full reward 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.20.8|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 20:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.36|AUTODETECT|” John 4:36) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.4|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.4|AUTODETECT|” James 5:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.11|AUTODETECT|” E�� a causal conjunction (because). See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.11|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 for a similar construction. ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �t A����������� this present active participle discloses the continued refusal by the deceivers to acknowledge the humanity of Jesus Christ. ) �������� in the form of a present participle the word serves as an appellation for Christ. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �������� from the verb ������� (I destroy, lose), the aorist subjunctive is an indirect command that follows the verb ������� (watch out [second person plural, present imperative]). The aorist is ingressive. ) �0��������� the aorist of �������� (I work) is comprehensive. The stress is on the activity rather than on its product. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Instruction) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John takes his pastoral role seriously. He knows that the false teachers are making inroads in the Christian church. Therefore, he warns the readers to be on guard. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.18|AUTODETECT|” a. Anyone who runs ahead. Although this is a literal translation of the Greek, the words imply that a church member at times ventures beyond the boundaries of established doctrine. When this person no longer stays within the sphere of the teaching of Christ, he has transgressed the limits. Of course, John is not against progress in developing doctrine. Nor is he depreciating growth in the grace and knowledge of Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.18|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Rather, he warns the readers not to progress and leave the Christian religion, and not to reject the instruction of Christ. If someone progresses and leaves the faith, he regresses and faces spiritual ruin. Genuine progress is always rooted in Christ s teaching. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 b. Teaching of Christ. This phrase means either the teaching that originates with and belongs to Christ (subjective genitive) or the teaching about Christ (objective genitive). Scholars have advanced arguments for either position, but from the writings of John the evidence favors the subjective genitive. For example, Jesus says to the Jews, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 My) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 teaching is not my own & ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 my) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.16-43.7.17|AUTODETECT|” teaching comes from God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.7.16-43.7.17|AUTODETECT|” John 7:16 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , italics added).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. [He] has both the Father and the Son. Also in this verse, John teaches the fundamental doctrine of the divinity of Christ. Instead of writing the teaching of Jesus, he says the teaching of Christ. He wants to place emphasis on the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Christ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.23-62.2.24|AUTODETECT|” . Notice, then, that John places the Son on the same level as the Father. That is, no one has the Father without the Son and no one can have God without Christ 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.23-62.2.24|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:23 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.12|AUTODETECT|” 5:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ). The Father and the Son are divine. Whoever continues in Christ s instruction has fellowship with the Father and the Son 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 A ������� ��v �t ����� the definite article governs two present participles. Therefore, the clause must be understood as one concept. That is, going ahead and not remaining go together. ) ������� this is the only place in John s epistles where the term ������� stands alone and occurs without the noun 8�����. John places it next to ���� to stress the divinity of Christ. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0
  1. Prohibition) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 10 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  2. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 We have these observations: ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (a) Come ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|” John states a fact, in a conditional sentence, and virtually says, This is how it is: false teachers are coming to all of you. His statement does not convey possibility or probability, but fact. John writes about a false teacher who denies the instruction of Christ and comes with the primary purpose of leading believers astray. John calls such a deceiver the antichrist 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.22|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.3|AUTODETECT|” 4:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (b) Forbid ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 When the deceiver comes to the believers, they are not to open their homes to him and welcome him.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.2|AUTODETECT|” �� But is this prohibition not a departure from the early Christian rule to entertain strangers 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), that is, travelers who seek shelter and food? Some commentators, therefore, have suggested that we may decline to accept the Presbyter s ruling here as a sufficient guide to Christian conduct. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� We demur. John is not talking about the traveler who needs lodging for the night. He is referring to the teacher who intends to destroy the church of Jesus Christ. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.5|AUTODETECT|” As is evident from the New Testament 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.16.5|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 16:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.4.15|AUTODETECT|” Col. 4:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), churches often met in the homes of individual persons. In other words, the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 house) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 may have a broader connotation.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Should a Christian be concerned about the soul of this teacher? Yes, by taking full control of the situation, he should instruct the teacher in the doctrines of Christ. But he must never allow the teacher to enter the Christian s home and permit him to teach! The word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 teacher) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in Jewish and early Christian circles was a title that demanded deference and submission. Pupils & were in duty bound to respect and obey their teacher. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32”
  4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Christians, then, ought to pay homage to a teacher but never to a false prophet. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 If a Christian welcomes the false prophet into his home, he agrees to submit to the prophet s instruction and accordingly destroys his own faith. Hence John warns the readers not to welcome a false teacher into their homes. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 (c) Share ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” Moreover, the Christian who welcomes the instructor into his house actually promotes the purpose of his visitor. In effect, the Christian gives his blessing to the work the false teacher performs. Note that John does not consider this an innocent and insignificant act. He calls it sharing in wicked work that originates with Satan 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Practical Considerations in 9 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.44|AUTODETECT|” Jesus and the apostles teach and apply the command to love one another. In fact, Jesus extends the command to love even to the enemy 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.44|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:44) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.20|AUTODETECT|” ). And Paul tells the Christians to feed the enemy when he is hungry and to give him something to drink when he is thirsty 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.12.20|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 12:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.25.21|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.25.21|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 25:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Is John, then, correct in instructing the Christian not to welcome someone to his home? The answer is yes. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Let me explain by using an illustration. A navy commander who had access to military secrets sold them to the enemy. He was apprehended and subsequently sentenced. Reporters interviewed the man s father and asked him for his reaction. The father replied that his son, whom he loved, had betrayed his country and now had to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The father, in this case, separated himself from his son and regarded him as a fellow citizen who had transgressed the law. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.7|AUTODETECT|” John points to a person who no longer continues in the teaching of Christ, who denies that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and who wishes to enter the homes of Christians for the purpose of destroying their faith. This person has betrayed Jesus Christ and is now purposely antichristian. Although John affirms that Christians should love one another 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.7|AUTODETECT|” I John 4:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he warns against allowing the false teacher to lead the believers away from Christ and to hand them over to the evil one. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 10 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �0 the particle introduces a simple fact conditional sentence. ) �t ��������� the negative particle �� with the present imperative is a prohibition that tells the readers to stop what they are doing. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” �������� this adjective relates to Satan, who is called A ������� (the evil one). For additional information, see the comments on ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.12|AUTODETECT|” I John 3:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 7 4 3 8 0 0 III. Conclusion ) 12 13 ) 12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. ) 13 The children of your chosen sister send their greetings. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.13|AUTODETECT|” John s conclusion is similar to that of the next letter 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.13|AUTODETECT|” III John 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=64.1.14|AUTODETECT|”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Perhaps the author has written these epistles in sequence. He prefers to talk, because writing appears not always pleasing to a heart full of sacred love. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” �� John has formulated the most important items he wanted to say and which he could not delay. These he has written. The rest of the items can wait until he meets the readers face to face 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.4|AUTODETECT|” John provides no information about where the readers lived and how far he has to travel to reach them. He is physically able to make the journey and see them personally. Furthermore, he is looking forward to his visit, so that our joy may be complete 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.4|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). That is, he has communicated his admonitions in the letter, expects the readers to heed his warnings to live in harmony with God s commands, and hopes to have pleasant fellowship with them to mutual satisfaction. Already he has experienced great joy upon learning that some of the readers are walking in the truth (v. 4). Now that he has written the letter, he anticipates not only compliance but, as a result, complete joy. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
  1. The children of your chosen sister send their greetings.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The wording of this last verse places the emphasis not on the sister but on the children. If we interpret the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sister) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.13|AUTODETECT|” literally, we must assume that she is no longer living. But if we take it figuratively, then the word stands for church ; the children, consequently, are the members of that church. Also notice that John himself was a member of the church that sent greetings to a sister church. In short, the members of one group of believers send greetings to another 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.13|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.12-62.2.14|AUTODETECT|” �������� from �������� (I want, wish), the aorist is epistolary. That is, the author looks at the letter from the recipient s point of view 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.12-62.2.14|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:12 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34”
  1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �������� this aorist middle infinitive from ������� (I become, am) may denote change of location and mean come. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35”
  2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Summary of II John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The elder (John) sends greetings to a distinguished lady and her children. He expresses his joy about the obedience some of her children have shown in honoring the truth. He admonishes her to be steadfast in fulfilling the command to love one another and to obey God s precepts. He alerts her to the dangers that numerous deceivers pose to her, and encourages her to guard her spiritual possessions. He warns her not to have fellowship with these teachers who do not bring the teachings of Christ. If she welcomes them into her house, she promotes the cause of these false teachers. He concludes his letter with the remark that he hopes to visit her. He sends greetings from the children of the chosen sister of the lady he addresses. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult C. H. Dodd, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Johannine Epistles) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Moffatt New Testament Commentary series (New York: Harper and Row, 1946), p. 145. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See Anthony C. Thistleton, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 890. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Bruce M. Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , corrected ed. (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), p. 719. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 1116. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” These are the references: ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Col. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.1.1|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 1:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Titus 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=57.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Philem. 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.2|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.2|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John Albert Bengel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ed. Andrew R. Fausset, 7th ed., 5 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 5, p. 156. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref7” 7 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 B. F. Westcott, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of St. John, The Greek Text, with Notes and Addenda) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1883; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1966), pp. 225 26. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Hartmut Beck and Colin Brown, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, pp. 776 83. Also consult Werner Foerster, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 2, pp. 411 17. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to R. C. Trench, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Synonyms of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint ed., Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953), p. 145. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 1140. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Alfred Plummer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges series (Cambridge: At the University Press, 1896), p. 136. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” NKJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New King James Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” KJV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 King James Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” NEB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New English Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” NASB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Standard Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” ASV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 American Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” RV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” GNB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Good News Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” JB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Jerusalem Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” NIV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New International Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref21” NAB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 New American Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” RSV ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Revised Standard Version ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 10 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” MLB ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Modern Language Bible ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 11 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” Moffatt ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Bible: A New Translation by James Moffatt ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 In the interest of uniformity, scribes of the Johannine Epistles would be more likely to change the reading from we to you than vice versa. However, we should not be dogmatic, because the author himself readily changes from one pronoun to another in his epistles. Consult Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Textual Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 719. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul Christoph B�ttger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 144. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert Hanna, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 439. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.19|AUTODETECT|” Also compare ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.18.19|AUTODETECT|” John 18:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.1.5|AUTODETECT|” I John 1:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.25|AUTODETECT|” 2:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.15|AUTODETECT|”
  3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Raymond E. Brown suggests that the house may be the house used for Community-meetings: the Johannine house-church in the area addressed. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , Anchor Bible series (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1982), vol. 30, p. 676. This suggestion indeed has merit. Nevertheless, we ought to be careful not to think of every house mentioned in the New Testament as a house-church. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Dodd, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Johannine Epistles) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 152. Also refer to William Barclay, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Letters of John and Jude) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1958), p. 169. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Refer to Brown, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Epistles of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 676. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref32” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Klaus Wegenast, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 3, p. 767. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bengel, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Gnomon of the New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 5, p. 158. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 21 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 846. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 159.)
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