Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 John 1:13
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
13. The children of thy elect sister greet thee ] Better, for the sake of uniformity with 3Jn 1:14, salute thee: the same verb is used in both passages. That the elect sister herself sends no greeting is taken as an argument in favour of the ‘elect lady’ being a Church, and the ‘elect sister’ a sister Church, which could send no greeting other than that of its members or ‘children’. But the verse fits the other hypothesis equally well. Kyria’s nephews may be engaged in business at Ephesus under S. John’s Apostolic care: their mother may be living elsewhere, or be dead. It was perhaps from these children of her sister that the Apostle had knowledge of, the state of things in the elect lady’s house. Their sending a salutation through him may intimate that they share his anxiety respecting her and hers.
Amen ] As in 1Jn 5:21 (where see note), this is the addition of a copyist.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
The children of thy elect sister greet thee – Of this elect sister nothing more is known. It would seem probable, from the fact that she is not mentioned as sending her salutations, that she was either dead, or that she was absent. John mentions her, however, as a Christian – as one of the elect or chosen of God.
Remarks On 2 John
In view of the exposition of this Epistle we may make the following remarks:
(1) It is desirable for a family to have a character for piety so consistent and well understood that all who know it shall perceive it and love it, 2Jo 1:1. In the case of this lady and her household, it would seem that, as far as they were known, they were known as a well-ordered Christian household. John said he loved such a family; and he said that it was loved by all who had any knowledge of them. What is more lovely to the view than such a household? What is better fitted to make an impression on the world favorable to religion?
(2) It is a matter of great rejoicing when any part of a family becomes truly religious, 2Jo 1:4. We should rejoice with our friends, and should render unfeigned thanks to God, if any of their children are converted, and walk in the truth. No greater blessing can descend on a family than the early conversion of children; and, just as angels rejoice over one sinner that is converted, we should rejoice when the children of our friends are brought to a knowledge of the truth, and devote themselves to God in early life.
(3) It is our duty to be on our guard against the arts of the teachers of error, 2Jo 1:7. They abound in every age. They are often learned, eloquent, and profound. They study and understand the arts of persuasion. They adapt their instructions to the capacity of those whom they would lead astray. They flatter their vanity; accommodate themselves to their peculiar views and tastes; court their society, and seek to share their friendship. They often appear to be eminently meek, and serious, and devout, and prayerful, for they know that no others can succeed who profess to inculcate the principles of religion. There are few arts more profound than that of leading people into error; few that are studied more, or with greater success. Every Christian, therefore, should be on his or her guard against such arts; and while he should (upon all subjects) be open to conviction, and be ready to yield his own opinions when convinced that they are wrong, yet he should yield to truth, not to people; to argument, not to the influence of the personal character of the professed religious teacher.
(4) We may see that it is possible for us to lose a portion of the reward which we might enjoy in heaven, 2Jo 1:8. The rewards of heaven will be apportioned to our character, and for our services in the cause of religion in this life, and those who sow sparingly shall reap also sparingly. Christians often begin their course with great zeal, and as if they were determined to reap the highest rewards of the heavenly world. If they should persevere in the course which they have commenced, they would indeed shine as the stars in the firmament. But, alas, their zeal soon dies away. They relax their efforts, and lose their watchfulness. They engage in some pursuit that absorbs their time, and interferes with their habits of devotion. They connive at error and sin; begin to love the comforts of this life; seek the honors or the riches of this world; and though they may be saved at last, yet they lose half their reward. It should be a fixed purpose with all Christians, and especially with such as are just entering upon the Christian life, to wear in heaven a crown as bright and studded with as many jewels as can possibly be obtained.
(5) We may learn from this Epistle how to regard and treat the teachers of error, 2Jo 1:10. We are not to do anything that can be fairly construed as contenancing their doctrines. This simple rule would guide us to a course that is right. We are to have minds open to conviction. We are to love the truth, and always be ready to follow it. We are not to be prejudiced against anything. We are to treat all people with kindness; to be true, and just, and faithful in our contact with everyone; to be hospitable, and always ready to do good to any who are needy, whatever their name, color, rank, or opinions. We are not to cut the ties which bind us to our friends and kindred, though they embrace opinions which we deem erroneous or dangerous; but we are in no way to become the patrons of error, or to leave the impression that we are indifferent as to what is believed. The friends of truth and piety we should receive cordially to our dwellings, and should account ourselves honored by their presence, Psa 101:6-7; strangers we should not forget to entertain, for thereby we may entertain angels unawares, Heb 13:2; but the open advocate of what we regard as dangerous error, we are not to receive in any such sense or way as to have our treatment of him fairly construed as patronising his errors, or commending him as a teacher to the favorable regards of our fellowmen.
Neither by our influence, our names, our money, our personal friendship, are we to give him increased facilities for spreading pernicious error through the world. As people, as fellow-sufferers, as citizens, as neighbors, as the friends of temperance, of the prisoner, of the widow, the orphan, and the slave, and as the patrons of learning, we may be united in promoting objects dear to our hearts, but as religious teachers we are to show them no countenance, not so much as would be implied in the common form of salutation wishing them success. In all this there is no breach of charity, and no want of true love, for we are to love the truth more than we are the persons of men. To the person himself we should be ever ready to do good. We should never injure that individual in any way – in his person, property, or feelings. We should never attempt to deprive him of the right of cherishing his own opinions, and of spreading them in his own way, answerable, not to us, but to God. We should impose no pains or penalties upon him for the opinions which he holds. But we should do nothing to give him increased power to propagate them, and should never place ourselves by any alliance of friendship, family, or business, in such a position that we shall not be perfectly free to maintain our own sentiments, and to oppose what we deem to be error, whoever may advocate it.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 13. The children of thy elect sister] Probably her own sister, who lived at Ephesus; and, being acquainted with the apostle’s writing, desired to be thus remembered to her. Elect, both in this and the first verse, signifies excellent, eminent, or honourable. See note on 2Jo 1:1.
Amen is wanting in the most ancient MSS., and in most of the versions; but and , Grace be with thee, or with you, is found in several MSS. and versions.
Subscriptions in the VERSIONS: –
The end of the Second Epistle. – Syriac.
The Second Epistle of John is ended. – Philox. SYRIAC.
Praise be to God for ever, Amen! – ARABIC.
In the MANUSCRIPTS: –
The Second of John. – Codex Alexandrinus and Codex Vaticanus.
The Second of John to the Parthians. – One of Colbert’s MSS.
The Second catholic Epistle of St. John the apostle and divine.
There are other subscriptions, but, like the above, they are worthy of little regard.
THIS epistle is more remarkable for the spirit of Christian love which it breathes than for any thing else. It contains scarcely any thing that is not found in the preceding; and out of the thirteen verses there are at least eight which are found, either in so many words or in sentiment, precisely the same with those of the first epistle. The most remarkable part of it is the tenth and eleventh verses, 2Jo 1:10; 2Jo 1:11 relative to the orders concerning the heretical teacher; and from them we see how such teachers were treated in the apostolic Church. They held no communion with them, afforded them no support, as teachers; but did not persecute them.
On this model the conduct of all Christians should be formed, relative to the teachers of false doctrine in general. To go thus far, we have apostolical authority, to go farther, we have none. And let us still remember, in all cases it is our duty to love even our enemies, and consequently to do them any act of humanity and mercy.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
They were, it is probable, with him at Ephesus, and took the occasion by him now writing, to transmit their salutations.
Amen; this concluding Amen imports his sincerity in what he had written.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
Alfordconfesses that the non-mention of the lady” herself hereseems rather to favor the hypothesis that a Churchis meant.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. Not the members of a sister church, as some think; but the children of one who was the sister of this lady, according to the flesh; and who, as she was either a very famous and excellent person, or rather one chosen of God likewise unto eternal life and salvation; and whose children also were walking in the truth, and here send their Christian salutation to their aunt; very likely those sister’s children lived at Ephesus, where John resided.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Of thine elect sister ( ). Same word as in verse 2John 1:1; Rev 17:4. Apparently children of a deceased sister of the lady of verse 1 who lived in Ephesus and whom John knew as members of his church there.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “The children of thy elect sister” – John’s letter was written as “the elder” unto the “elect lady’s” sister (sister church’s) children, in the locale or community from which John wrote, even though the particular location was not disclosed in the text of his letter. This letter to the “elect lady”, the church as an institution, is therefore a specific church letter, not merely addressed to all the saved, but perhaps to Antioch church in Syria or one of the churches in Asia Minor.
2) “Greet thee” (Greek aspaszeta se) send greetings, salutations to thee. The church of the Lord in one area can send good will greetings to the Lord’s church in another area as they remain, walk in truth and love. If the church were universal it would have no other place to send its greetings – See?
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
13. Thy elect sister Who should these be but the children of the writer’s deceased wife? His may be a widowed home; a home where the blessed mother of Jesus found a home; and from that home the greetings of the surviving children are sent. This verse is held by those who believe that the lady was a Church, to be a greeting from a Church to a Church. They hold it a strong proof of that interpretation. Alford concedes some force to the argument. But why should children represent one Church and lady the other? Why, children, unless because there was no mother of the children? To preserve the consistency of the symbol, it should read, Elect lady, thy co – elect sister greeteth thee.
‘The children of your elect sister salute you.’
This may signify the members of a sister church. Or it may signify that both sisters were of powerful families and had churches in their households. Either way the greeting goes from the one to the other.
2Jn 1:13. The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Brother and sister very commonly, in the New Testament, mean fellow-christians; but in that sense the word sister would have been too general and indeterminate in this place, and therefore we must understand it of a sister by blood or relationship. The word elect, in this and the first verse, denotes, that these sisters were choice or excellent Christians.
Inferences.Let us observe the delineation of a love truly Christian, given in this chapter; the love which the apostle, and all who knew the truth, are said to have had towards this excellent lady, for the truth’s sake which dwelt in her. Adored be that grace, which preserved her in so high a rank of life, from temptations, which could not fail to surround her! that grace, which rendered her an example of wisdom and piety, great and eminent in proportion to her exalted situation!
Nor can we forbear reflecting, how happy, in consequence of this, she herself was, possessed of grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and Jesus Christ our Lord, in truth and love! What were all the secular honours by which she was distinguished? What the possession of riches, which in their own nature, and unimproved to the pious and charitable purposes to which she improved them, are empty and unsatisfactory; what are these, when compared with such important blessings! We cannot but rejoice, at this distance of time, and ignorant as we are of the named situation, and history, of this worthy lady, that her children walked in the truth. It was a singular joy to St. John, and may be so in a degree to all; and may teach us to lift up our hearts to God in prayer, that all Christian parents, especially pious mothers, and more particularly those whose character in life is so eminently distinguished, may enjoy this happiness, and see the seed that they are, with such commendable industry, sowing in the minds of their tender offspring, growing up, and bringing forth much fruit. REFLECTIONS.1st, St. John opens his epistle,
1. With the inscription. The elder, John, now far advanced in age, and by office an older, as well as an apostle, unto the elect lady, whom I need not name, as her excellent Christian graces render her so gloriously distinguished; and to her children, heirs with her of the same promise; whom I love in the truth, unfeignedly, and for the sake of him whose image they bear; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth, and are personally acquainted with them, or have heard of their character in the churches, and cannot but respect and delight in those who adorn so eminently the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things; for the truth’s sake which dwelleth in us, which renders the professor more respectable than all riches, birth, or titles; and shall be with us for ever; as if he had said to them, So deep is the truth, as it is in Jesus, grounded in your mind and heart, that I indulge a holy confidence that the relish of it will never be lost, be the remaining years of life ever so many, or the events of them ever so trying.
2. We have the apostolic benediction. Grace be with you, in all its happy fruits and effects, of pardon, strength, and consolation, with mercy and peace, and every blessing that we can ask, or the Lord hath promised to give, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom we are indebted for all, and who is the Son of the Father,may these graces animate you to walk in truth, and in universal love, according to the tenor of that glorious gospel with which the Lord has favoured you.
3. His congratulation. I rejoiced greatly, that, in some of those excursions which I made for the service of the gospel, I found of thy children walking in the truth, as it is in Jesus, and in their spirit and conduct, a credit to the holy profession which they make, guided by the oracles of God, as we have received a commandment from the Father. Note; (1.) It is a singular joy to ministers, to behold the rising generation ornaments to religion. (2.) We then walk in the truth, when we make God’s word a constant rule of conduct.
4. His request and exhortation. And now I beseech thee, lady, as the chief design of my epistle, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another, out of a pure heart fervently, from the divine principle of faith which worketh by love. And this is love, the infallible test of true love to God and man, that we walk after his commandments, with universal and conscientious respect to all his holy will. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it, under the influence of this great law of love. Note; Kind exhortations are in general preferable to authoritative commands, and usually much more available.
2nd, The apostle proceeds, 2. They are enjoined not to give the least countenance to these seducers. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, nor afford him ought of that hospitable entertainment which you kindly give to the faithful ministers of Christ; neither bid him God speed, nor wish the least success to such ungodly attempts as the propagation of these poisonous errors: for he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds, and an abettor of his wickedness. Note; We need be very cautious, not only to keep from evil ourselves, but to avoid being partakers of other men’s sins.
3. He concludes with informing the lady, that he hoped shortly to have a more full personal conference with her on this subject. Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, more at large; that our joy may be full, and we may be happy together in the experience of the true grace of God, and be preserved from all deceivers. The children of thy elect sister greet thee! How happy is it where grace thus diffuses itself through a whole family, and those who are united by the ties of blood are thus more nearly united in the bonds of God’s love! Amen. Would to God that this were the case in every family!
*.* The Reader is referred to the different Authors mentioned often already.
2Jn 1:13 . Presentation of the greeting from the children of the ’s sister. If were a proper noun, we would have to suppose that the sister had either already died, or was not with her children near the apostle, as he would otherwise certainly have mentioned her.
Such uncertain hypotheses are removed by the correct explanation of ; now it is self-evident that the is the Church from which John wrote this Epistle and the , therefore, are its individual members; on , comp. 2Jn 1:1 .
REFLECTIONS
The Elders in the Church of Jesus may learn from this short, but gracious Epistle of John the elder, how to address the Elect, and with what words of comfort and consolation in Jesus, they are to be spoken to. And there is nothing more strengthening to the Church of God, than when old disciples speak to young ones, concerning God’s purposes in Christ, as manifested in his electing, converting, redeeming, establishing grace! It is blessedly said by one of old, “the righteous shall bring forth fruit in his old age, to shew that the Lord is upright.” I do not presume to say so much, but I humbly ask, did not the Lord the Spirit cause this Epistle to be sent by John to one Elect Lady, to be recorded in the Church, and handed down, through the several ages, to the present hour, on purpose to teach old saints, and especially faithful old ministers, how to speak to the elect children of Christ, in the several stations and characters as they stand in grace?
Blessed and eternal Spirit! Be thou praised for this sweet morsel of thy holy scripture! Let it be a savor, in thine Almighty hand, for good. And let thy servant John’s ministry in it be owned and blessed of the Lord for good to all thy people, that though the Apostle be dead, he may be said yet to speak. Praised be God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for all blessings in Christ. Amen.
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Ver. 13. The children of thine elect ] Who probably sojourned with St John for education’s sake. The lady might say to the apostle, as he in Virgil did to Aeneas,
” – sub te tolerare magistro
Militiam-tua cernere facta
Assuescant, primis et te mirentur ab annis. 2Jn 1:13 . See Introd. pp. 162 f.
greet = salute.
Amen. The texts omit.
2Jn 1:13. , salute you) The courteousness of the apostle is seen, who announces the salutation in the words of the children. [Most delightful fellowship between the apostle and his juniors.-V. g.][8]
[8] Bengel, J. A. (1866). Vol. 5: Gnomon of the New Testament (M. E. Bengel & J. C. F. Steudel, Ed.) (W. Fletcher, Trans.) (155-158). Edinburgh: T&T Clark.
2Jo 1:1, 1Pe 5:13
Reciprocal: Act 15:23 – greeting 2Co 13:13 – General Col 3:12 – as 2Ti 4:21 – and all 1Pe 1:2 – Elect
2Jn 1:13. Elect has the same meaning here as elsewhere, namely, a person chosen of the “Lord through obedience to the truth (1Pe 1:2). I can find no dependable information as to the identity of this sister, but since John calls her elect we understand she was a faithful disciple and that she had children also interested in the Lord. Friendly salutations were common in those times, and it was natural for these children who evidently were with John to join in friendly greetings to their mother’s sister.
John evidently meant that the Christians in the sister church of which he was a member sent their greetings along with his own to his readers.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
We have, in the beloved apostle, an excellent pattern of a becoming care, to make a correspondence with our Christian friends useful; which we shall do, if, like him, we are exhorting them to the cultivation of mutual love, and to a constant uniform care in keeping the commandments of God; if we continue warning them against the prevailing sins and errors of the day, and urging them to a holy solicitude, that they may not lose what they have already attained; but may receive a full reward for every work of faith, and labour of love, in consequence of a course of resolute and persevering piety.
Persons of the most distinguished goodness have need to be cautioned against that excess of generosity and hospitality, which might sometimes make them partakers with seducers in their evil deeds, by giving them their audience, and wishing them good success, while, by their fair speeches, they impose upon the simplicity of open and upright hearts, who, because themselves are void of fraud, are often void of suspicion too. But there is a prudent caution to be observed upon this head; and it is the part of faithful friendship to suggest it; for many deceivers are come out into the world. For our security against them, let us be always upon our guard, and take care to continue in the doctrine of Christ: that so we may have the Father, and the Son; and if we are interested in their favour, we shall stand in need of nothing, and shall have nothing of which to be afraid. Amen.
1. To warn and guard this honoured family against the wiles of seducers. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, breaching the most fatal and heretical doctrines, as that Jesus Christ assumed not the real human nature, but lived and died in appearance only; or that he who was born at Nazareth, was not the true expected Messiah. This is a deceiver and an antichrist, an avowed enemy to the Redeemer’s glory and gospel, and a destroyer of the souls of men. Therefore look to yourselves with holy jealousy and watchfulness, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, and be at last disappointed of our hope of you; while you come finally short of eternal salvation, and, after all the most promising appearances and experiences, be seduced by the error of the wicked; but hold fast the truth, and, whereunto ye have already attained, walk by the same rule, mind the same things, that we receive a full reward; that, you persevering and abounding in the grace of God, both we and you may receive the ample reward which, through divine grace, is laid up for us, if faithful unto death. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God, is not influenced by his Spirit, and hath now no part in his salvation: he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, with regard to his divine Person, real incarnation, mediatorial offices, and the complete salvation which he bestows upon all his faithful people, professing boldly his faith in defiance of all opposition, he hath both the Father and the Son, is admitted into a holy and happy communion with them, and has a most blessed interest in their love and favour.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)