IN HIS SECOND LETTER , John warns about antichrists. This ‘book’ and the one that follows are the two shortest letters in our bible; this is second shortest, but actually has fewer verses. In it, the Apostle John, here in his old age— “The elder ”—writes tenderly to a beloved friend. “To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever.” (2 John 1:1-2) There is no internal evidence to tell us who this woman and her children are, but she and they are esteemed by John, and also considered firmly as one of the elect of God. The truth that is forever is this shared knowledge, one that is central to all in the long generations of Christ-followers: “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3)
John takes deep pleasure and satisfaction, as we also would, in seeing what his friend has inspired in her children. “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us.” (2 John 1:4) He reminds her of something she already knows. “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.” (2 John 1:5) This is an appeal to unconditional love, a love that is characterized by humility, tenderness, compassion, and a genuine concern for the best welfare of others. It is a command that John first heard when he was quite young, as a close disciple of Jesus. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) John specifies what such love stems from and infers should look like. “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.” (2 John 1:6)
There is an undertone that we don’t miss: ‘some of your children.’ Right away we understand, for these things some of us also live out as parents. “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Prov. 22:6) Perhaps John is writing because he knows of her specific pain in this area, and wants to comfort her, but doesn’t want to address the negatives directly. Maybe she is simply waiting for a beloved child to turn around and return to what was taught, and hopes that she will see that in her lifetime. Conceivably it is more difficult, and she can only hope in hope. “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him.” (Prov. 17:25) This is only some speculation, and may certainly be reading too much into these brief words; however, we know the truths that have bowed many a parent’s shoulders in these kinds of circumstances.
Moving past his reminders, John warns about an ongoing issue for the young church of Jesus Christ; perhaps it is connected with her child’s hypothetical struggle, but in fact it is somewhat widespread during this time, and it is the problem of Gnosticism. “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world.” (2 John 1:7a) In addition to claiming a ‘higher, superior knowledge,’ Gnostics routinely denied Jesus as God in the flesh. John asserts, “Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 1:7b) This is closely associated with Jesus’ warning about false Christs, “Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.” (Mark 13:6) John’s own warning is specific; those who offer a solution ‘instead of’ or ‘against’ Christ are dangerous deceivers who adulterated the words of Jesus with false teachings.
John’s next statement has to be understood carefully. “Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 1:8) This is not addressing salvation, but rewards—or lack of rewards—for our works (cf. Eph. 2:10). Our salvation is assured in Jesus, by Jesus, and because of Jesus, and in our acceptance of him. (c.f. Rom. 10:9) It is because of the unfailing integrity of his character, not because of our works. This, instead, is what Paul speaks of regarding our works: “The fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” (1 Cor. 3:13) The rewards in heaven are not described at all in scripture, only that there will be rewards. Most of us probably think that heaven itself is enough of a reward. God apparently thinks differently. We will know when we get there.
John continues with his warnings. First this, “Anyone who runs ahead, and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” This is counterposed by “whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 1:9) Then, don’t take anyone into the house who does not adhere to this teaching, for “Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.” (2 John 1:10) Paul speaks elsewhere of the danger of associating with those of countervailing beliefs, morals, and ethics. “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Cor. 15:33) Again, perhaps John is lovingly guiding this woman in the on-going parental conditioning of the family, but probably his comments are broader in scope. Both aspects seem reasonable.
But now he feels he has said enough. “I have much more to write to you. I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so our joy may be complete.” (2 John 1:12) He reminds her of a friend, a sister in the Lord: “The children of your chosen sister send their greetings.” (2 John 1:13) His short letter ends; we do not know if they ever meet again on this side of heaven.
And so also it is with us. We love our families, we love those who are of the family of God, some more than others. That’s okay; we’re all drawn to some more than others. Some of our kids or their kids have problems, some are just fine. We share the joys, and we share the sorrows. We do that here to encourage and support and console one another. For now, stay in touch. It’s important. When we get to heaven, there will be no sorrow, and we’ll always be in touch.
Q. Is there a friend or family member I need to reconnect with?
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