2 John 1:1-3 - Homilies By R. Finlayson

I. INTRODUCTION .

1 . Address. "The elder unto the elect lady and her children." The writer of this Epistle was known as "the elder;" it clearly bears the Johannine mark. The principal receiver was "the elect lady." Some think that "a Church" is intended; but a mystical interpretation is not to be resorted to when a plain interpretation is tenable and beautiful. The lady was "elect," as "chosen out of the profane world into the sanctified company of the Church of God." She found a sphere of usefulness in receiving into her "house" the Christian teachers; her temptation was to be indiscriminate in her receiving; therefore the "elder," meantime, "with paper and ink," puts her on her guard. Her children arc associated with her: they were advanced enough to understand the shibboleth of the Incarnation. Amplification.

2 . Salutation.

II. MAIN PORTION .

1 . Counsel.

1 . In language very similar to 1 John 2:7 , he points to familiarity with the commandment. With great delicacy he includes himself in the reference of the commandment. He was doing what Christian love demanded toward her in counseling and warning her; she must do what Christian love demanded toward him in attending to his counsel and warning. The summary of the commandments. "And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it." The first statement closely resembles what is found in 1 John 5:3 . If we love (without distinction of object here), we shall endeavour to walk after the Divine commandments. Those commandments (separate expressions of the Divine will) are summarized in one, viz. walking in love with one another, to which, as a familiar commandment, the lady and her children are directed.

2 . Warning.

III. CONCLUSION .

1 . Reason for brevity. "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be fulfilled." His end of cautioning the lady and her children has been served. The burden of the Lord is on his mind as he thinks of their circumstances and needs—messages from the Lord to them. These he does not put down in writing, using paper and ink; he hopes to pay a visit to them, when he will have the advantage of speaking face to face. Hearing from his lips the messages at present reserved, their joy will then be fulfilled.

2 . Salutation. "The children of thine elect sister salute thee." The "elect sister" was not with the apostle, to send her salutation. Her children (of whom we are to think well) send their salutations to the "elect lady." They must have been cognizant of the fact of the letter being sent, and also of its purport. It is pleasant to find the children in two homes so sympathetic with their mothers and with the apostle on the great matters of life.—R.F.