Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 1 John 3 John
2 John 1
Concise Complete
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 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.
Chapter 1:
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Johnson
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 1 John 3 John
Genesis
Exodus
Leviticus
Numbers
Deuteronomy
Joshua
Judges
Ruth
1 Samuel
2 Samuel
1 Kings
2 Kings
1 Chronicles
2 Chronicles
Ezra
Nehemiah
Esther
Job
Psalm
Proverbs
Ecclesiastes
Song of Solomon
Isaiah
Jeremiah
Lamentations
Ezekiel
Daniel
Hosea
Joel
Amos
Obadiah
Jonah
Micah
Nahum
Habakkuk
Zephaniah
Haggai
Zechariah
Malachi
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
Acts
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
Hebrews
James
1 Peter
2 Peter
1 John
2 John
3 John
Jude
Revelation
