by Brian Currie
AFFECTION: WALKING IN TRUTH – vv.1-6. Passion Regarding Brethren (Practical)
ABNEGATION: WARNING OF ERROR – vv.7-11. Person of Christ (Doctrinal)
ANTICIPATION: WANTING TO SEE – vv.12,13. Pleasure of Meeting (Conversational)
THE PENMAN
Time and space need not be spent in a consideration that John the apostle, who wrote the Gospel bearing his name, was the author of this book. Such information may be found in other writings. Likely, few who read this publication have ever doubted that John was the writer.
John is called “unlearned and ignorant” Acts 4.13, translated by J.N. Darby as “unlettered and uninstructed”. Such a description is a great encouragment to us. Very few of the saints rise to great heights in the world of academia, especially in the realm of Biblical languages and scholarship. This can leave ‘ordinary believers’ feeling inadequate because they have not had the benefit of higher and further education, as have others. They hear their brethren, usually younger ones, quoting words and grammatical expressions from the original languages of the Bible and they think these must be highly spiritual theologians, and are downcast because they think that they could never reach such lofty heights. While we are not putting a premium on ignorance, we can take encouragement from the fact that it was ordinary men whom God called and used. John never attended any seminary or Bible school yet he wrote five books of the New Testament.
These five books cover a lot of ground. Broadly speaking, the Gospel is historic, the Revelation is prophetic and his Epistles are didactic.
- In the Gospel there is the Pronouncement of Truth.
- In 1John it is the Practice of Truth.
- In 2John it is the Protection of Truth.
- In 3John it is the Propagation of Truth.
- In the Revelation it is the Prophecy of Truth.
In this regard John, being the author of five books of the Bible, is rather like Moses, who wrote the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch. John puts emphasis on the number five, the number of grace, by gathering a little cluster in chapters 4 to 6 of his Gospel: “thou hast had five husbands” Jn.4.18; concerning the pool of Bethesda, he describes it as “having five porches” Jn.5.2; “five barley loaves” Jn.6.9; “the men sat down, in number about five thousand” Jn.6.10.
In each case, John introduces himself in keeping with the book he is writing. In the Gospel he presents the Deity of the Lord Jesus and emphasises that He is the Saviour of the world. John is thrilled that such a Person loved men in general, and himself (John) in particular. Thus, he records that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus” Jn.11.5, but five times he emphasises that he was loved by Jesus: “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved” Jn.13.23; “When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He saith unto His mother, ‘Woman, behold thy son!’” Jn.19.26; “Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved” Jn.20.2; “Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, ‘It is the Lord’” Jn.21.7; “Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following” Jn.21.20.
Then in the Revelation, a book dealing mainly with tribulation and persecution, John, who is on the isle of Patmos, is experiencing this himself. Thus we read, “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation” Rev.1.9. It appears that he almost steps out of the page of Scripture and warmly embraces the saints, thus displaying the tender spirit required by a priestly man. Also, he is qualified to minister along these lines because he is not going beyond his own experience. The author of these meditations can remember, after he had given a simple word of ministry, being approached by a much older man who said, “Son, always minister to where your feet are and not where your eye can see.”
In his First Epistle John defends the humanity of the Lord Jesus. When he was on the Mount of Transfiguration, he learned that no man is on the same level as the Lord Jesus and so he does not mention himself at all. In this respect 1John is like the Epistle to the Hebrews. In the Second and Third Epistles John is giving advice in relation to the home and the assembly. These both require maturity and so he speaks of himself as “the elder”. We all need to learn that it is easy to rear other people’s children and to correct other assemblies, but what about our own homes and assemblies?
THE PECULIARITIES
It is well known and widely accepted that second Epistles have a special relevance to last-day conditions. This can be seen as follows:
- In 2Corinthians we are confronted with the Assembly and Satan’s Activity:
- “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” 2Cor.2.11; “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” 2Cor.11.14.
- In 2Thessalonians we learn of the Antichrist and the Saviour’s Victory:
- “Then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of His mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming” 2Thess.2.8.
- In 2Timothy we read of Affections and the Sinner’s Perversity:
- “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” 2Tim.3.1-4.
- In 2Peter we discover Apostasy and the Scoffer’s Mockery:
- “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” 2Pet.3.3.
- Here, in 2John, there is an Attack on the Saviour’s Humanity:
- “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” 2Jn.7.
2John is unique in that it is the only book in the Bible written to a woman. Yet this is not unexpected when it is understood that it has to do with the home, the place where sisters are expected to be found. We recall that Abraham had no hesitation when asked, by the heavenly visitors, about the whereabouts of Sarah: “And they said unto him, ‘Where is Sarah thy wife?’ And he said, ‘Behold, in the tent’” Gen.18.9. Paul taught that the home was the sphere of the woman: “… teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” Titus 2.4,5.
There is no mention of the Holy Spirit in the Epistle. In last days the truth and our fellowship are the things stressed. So-called ‘Charismatic’ Christians emphasise the work of the Holy Spirit but His ministry is to testify concerning Christ, and to glorify Him: “He shall testify of Me” Jn.15.26; “He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of Himself … He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you” Jn.16.13,14.
THE PRÉCIS
| Vv.1-6 | Affection: | Walking in Truth. | Passion regarding Brethren (Practical) |
| Vv.7-11 | Abnegation: | Warning of Error. | Person of Christ (Doctrinal) |
| Vv.12,13 | Anticipation: | Wanting to See. | Pleasure of Meeting (Conversational) |
THE PARTICULARS
AFFECTION: WALKING IN TRUTH – vv.1-6. Passion Regarding Brethren (Practical)
- Introduction – vv.1-3
- Exhortation – vv.4-6
Introduction – vv.1-3
Dignity of the Apostle – v.1
The elder: this is not an ‘ecclesiastical’ position, but underlines the maturity, dignity and esteem of this old disciple, perhaps aged around 90 years. He was the last surviving apostle and could have claimed the foremost place in the church. A rising generation could learn a lot from the older, wiser, more experienced saints. They should not be thought of as an outdated generation. There was a very spiritual man in east Belfast called William Lavery. He was a shipyard worker and during the brief lunch break he conducted a Bible Reading. His Bible knowledge was immense. I got to know him after he retired and he and I often walked together, discussing the Scriptures. One of my big regrets in life is that I did not listen more attentively to him. He certainly was anything but redundant or having passed his ‘sell-by date’!
One very obvious lesson springs from the fact that in the First Epistle John writes to the family, whereas here he writes to an individual: he is interested in small numbers as well as large. Regrettably, in this day, small assemblies, largely composed of elderly believers, can tend to be neglected.
Description of the Addressee – v.1
unto the elect lady: it has been suggested that the word for “elect” (eklektē) is perhaps a proper name. Others think that it refers to the assembly, but when John wishes to refer to an assembly in Third John and the Revelation, he calls it “the church”. There is no article before “elect lady” and it could be read as ‘an elect lady’, which leads to the conclusion that this is an anonymous, individual sister who can represent any saint. Notice the following terms that are appropriate to a Christian lady: “thy children” v.4; “thee, lady” v.5; “your house” v.10; “thy elect sister” v.13. We may detect that, since her husband is not mentioned, she is probably a widow. She had at least four children: “her children” are included as recipients of the letter, v.1, meaning there were at least two with her, and in v.4 John writes, “I found of thy children”, implying there were at least two in the place from which John was writing. While there are various aspects of election, here it is both personal and individual. These individuals produce a corporate body, the Church.
Discretion of the Apostle – v.1
whom I love in the truth: for “love” John uses agapao, which depicts the highest level of love. Had he used phileo it could have been interpreted as human fondness. John is very fond of addressing the saints as “beloved”: he does so five times in the First Epistle: 1Jn.3.2,21; 4.1,7,11; and four times in the Third: “well beloved” 3Jn.1; “beloved” 3Jn.2,5,11. He never uses it in 2John. Even at his advanced age he dismisses any hint of impropriety or being found in a compromising situation. In this sordid society there are eyes always upon the Christians, seeking to demolish their testimonies. We cannot be too careful.
love in the truth: truth is the realm of love. The absence of the article allows the translation to be “love truly”. The balance of this is found in Eph.4.15: “but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ …” How did this true and unhypocritical love come about? The answer is: because of the truth. Thus:
Development of Adherents – v.1
and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth: this is the binding agent, all in the sphere of truth. We cannot just bury theological differences and let our love run everywhere. We must love all saints but if they walk apart from truth they are putting themselves in a position where they cannot enjoy our love. The great example is right here from the pen of the apostle of love, John, who told us that God loved the world but the world did not enjoy it.
Note Phil.1.9: “that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment”. Love is like a river that has two banks, knowledge and judgment, or like a plant which is held by two stakes. If the banks break much damage can ensue; if a stake breaks growth will be lopsided. Love is not a reception of anything or anybody: it does not embrace all; see 2Jn.10,11.
In Phil.1.9, “knowledge” is the word epignosis. This is full, advanced, experimental knowledge and is intellectual. We grow as we know, but this is not just head knowledge. “Judgment” means ‘discernment’, as seen from its associated verb in Lk.9.45: “But they understood not this saying, and … they perceived it not …”; and from a related noun in Heb.5.14: “have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”. This is moral. In this context knowledge tells us what to love; judgment tells us how to love. It allows us to channel love to worthy objects; hence the outcome in Phil.1.10: “that ye may approve things that are excellent”. “Approve” is the word used of proving a metal; the same word is used in Lk.14.19 of proving five yoke of oxen. This means that the object is examined and passed as suitable. We do this with both persons and doctrine. “Things that are excellent” are things that differ, or have a value. This is also found in Matt.10.31: “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows”; and in 1Cor.15.41: “one star differeth from another star in glory”.
To summarise, we can say that we approve what is of value and which can therefore be loved. This affection ought to be a feature of all saints.
Dwelling of Truth – v.2
‘‘For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.’’
In v.1 we have the realm of love, which is truth. Here we have the reason for love: for the truth’s sake. We do not love because of our likes, sharing the same hobbies, or the same interests. All other things we shall leave on earth, but truth which binds is eternal. It constantly abides in us and is the active principle which, although unseen, motivates us, and shall be with us forever, just like the One Who said, “I am … the truth …” Jn.14.6.
Declared Greeting – v.3
‘‘Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.’’
The greeting is what we commonly find in the ‘Pastoral Epistles’, which are also written to individuals.
Grace: in this context it is that which gives support in the wilderness, so this is not saving grace; they already had that, but it is what we find as we “come boldly unto the throne of grace” Heb.4.16, and in one word it is support.
mercy: this is compassion for our feebleness, and may be described as succour.
peace: this is balm for our anxiousness, which brings serenity.
from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ: it is important to note the twofold greeting prefixed with the preposition “from” (para), which shows the equality yet individuality in the Godhead.
the Son of the Father: this is the only mention of this title in the New Testament and is one of the ‘Son of’ titles borne by the Lord Jesus. A study of these would pay handsome dividends. There are at least twelve such titles: Son of God – Deity; Son of man – officially; Son of the Father – eternally; Son of Joseph – supposedly; Carpenter’s Son – humility; Son of Mary – humanity; Son of the Blessed – dignity; Son of the Highest – glory; Son of David – royalty; Son of Abraham – nationality; Son of the living God – vivacity; Son of the most high God – pre-eminency.
in truth and love: these are the two indivisible Christian qualities which are emphasised throughout the Epistle. We must have both these attributes on display to be able to raise a standard against the false teachers and their teaching.
Exhortation – vv.4-6
Delight of the Apostle – v.4
‘‘I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.’’
I rejoiced greatly: the word translated “greatly” is used, for example, in Matt.4.8: “the devil taketh Him up into an exceeding high mountain”; and in Matt.8.28: “there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way”.
that I found of thy children walking in truth: it is worth noting that John uses the word “of”: not ‘all thy children’, but “of thy children”. We ought to be thankful when any of our children are walking in the truth. In an age marked by disobedience to parents, this is a great blessing and most refreshing. Some Christian parents blame themselves because their children either are not saved, or do not show progress in Divine things. Here is a situation that brings encouragement, without breeding complacency: not all children, even in apostolic days, bring spiritual joy. This was John’s greatest delight: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3Jn.4. The pre-eminent thing in Christianity is going on and developing and so becoming more like the Lord Jesus.
I must learn the truth, for my mind; love the truth, for my heart; live the truth, for my will. Some have discovered that it is easier to study or argue about the truth than to walk in it!
as we have received a commandment from the Father: to walk according to “a commandment from the Father” is true obedience. In the normal round of life, a real child will seek to honour his father or mother, and so it is spiritually. Here it is from “the Father”, so children are in view. These children may have lost their father here on earth, but they have One Who is far superior in every aspect.
Desire of the Apostle – v.5
‘‘And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, That we love one another.’’
I beseech thee, lady: this is the request of an equal; John is not demanding, but desiring. Our fellow believers will not become spiritual simply by us demanding it of them. For this reason we note the following: “I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given Me … I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world … Neither pray I for these alone” Jn.17.9,15,20; “After this Joseph of Arimathaea … besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus” Jn.19.38; “Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms” Acts 3.3; “I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me” Phil.4.3; “There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it” 1Jn.5.16.
Obedience is a proof of salvation: “Why call ye Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not the things which I say?” Lk.6.46; of service: “I say to this man, ‘Go,’ and he goeth; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he cometh; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he doeth it” Matt.8.9; of spirituality: “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” 1Cor.14.37.
not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning: this shows us the perpetuity of the Word of God. This commandment, and all others coming from the Father to the children, do not become outdated, as many would suggest in the modern age.
That we love one another: why do we need to be exhorted to love each other? The simple answer is: because it is difficult and not natural! Even the Lord Jesus and the apostle Peter had to command this: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments” Jn.14.15; “This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you” Jn.15.12; “See that ye love [aorist, imperative] one another with a pure heart fervently” 1Pet.1.22.
This was an encouragement to continue in what she was already doing. There is a place for exhortative, consolidative and preservative ministry: not always something new!
Demand of the Apostle – v.6
‘‘And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.’’
Love and obedience are indivisible and obedience to the Word of God is really most challenging. The test is not our feelings, or our prayers, not even our experiences; but rather, is it according to the Word? Some people think that their emotional experiences override the plain teaching of the Scriptures. We need to learn that there is no authority as great as the Word of God.
ye should walk in it: some have asked: to what does the word “it” refer? It seems that the verse commences and concludes with a reference to love. If we walk in obedience we shall be showing love. To know the commandments and be in subjection to them we need to be serious students of the Scriptures, not just cursory readers.
ABNEGATION: WARNING OF ERROR – vv.7-11. Person of Christ (Doctrinal)
Deception of the Apostates – v.7
‘‘For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.’’
many: it is remarkable how error can be made attractive so as to have many followers. It was so in Eden’s garden when Satan made the forbidden fruit, among other qualities, “pleasant to the eyes” Gen.3.6.
deceivers: these were men who wandered, roamed and misled any who would listen to their erroneous teaching. We are to “make straight paths for [our] feet” Heb.12.13, not being entangled “with the affairs of this life” 2Tim.2.4. The wise preacher taught, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil” Prov.4.26,27.
are entered into the world: these were self-promoting, not like the apostles, who were sent; these went! No person should ever move into the work of the Lord without having the confidence and commendation of his brethren.
who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh: it is important to note that here the error is detected by what is not said. Omissions are important and so we have to listen intently and very carefully check what we hear, in light of what is written in God’s holy Word. We must notice the seriousness of the attack, since it is upon His Person: “Jesus” – His Humanity; “Christ” – His Royalty; “come” – His Deity; He came from another world to this one.
Alternatively, since the present participle is used, it has been suggested that the translation “Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh” is acceptable and has in view His coming again. However, the words “that” and “is” have been inserted by the translators, so the reading is, “Jesus Christ coming in flesh”, and His future coming is never referred to in this way: this is His humanity and brings to our attention the abiding results of the Incarnation. The language is used by John Baptist: “Art thou He that should come [literally, ‘the coming one’]? or look we for another?” Lk.7.19,20; and also in 3Jn.3: “I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came”. It is used by John in his Gospel, for example, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him” Jn.1.29; “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all” Jn.3.31; “I believe that Thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world” Jn.11.27.
This is a deceiver and an antichrist: this is a very severe pronouncement. Both the words “deceiver” and “antichrist” carry the definite article, not to identify a person, but to show that their teaching reveals those of such a character.
Three dangers are now described: v.8: retrogression (going back); v.9: progression (going ahead); vv.10,11: association (going with).
Discernment of Self – v.8
‘‘Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.’’
Look to yourselves: the imperative mood means this is an order, and we cannot relax. We must never look to self to get encouragement in spiritual things, but rather keep self in check.
that we: here is a problem: should this be translated ‘we’ or ‘ye’? J.N. Darby gives “we”; the Revised Version gives “ye”. If ‘we’, then John is repeating the idea of 1Jn.2.28: “little children, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming”. If ‘ye’, then John wants them to live in a way that they will be rewarded. We ought to keep our eye on the Judgment Seat!
Doctrine Will Appraise – v.9
‘‘Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.’’
Doctrine is vitally important, and this is more than ‘a wee word’. Our late and highly esteemed brother Jack Hunter, from Scotland, often spoke of ‘sermonettes for Christianettes!’ There cannot be right living if we do not have a sound basis upon which we build. It is true that my beliefs control my behaviour; my convictions control my character.
transgresseth: this means to go forward, to go beyond the laid down boundaries. In the realm of Biblical teaching it highlights something that is new and novel. There are always those who want something never seen before! One would think that we are too late in the dispensation to uncover new things. Advancing beyond the Bible is not true progress but, rather, it is the commencement of apostasy. In these days we must beware of mere intellectualism.
abideth: the same word as “dwelleth” in v.2: “the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us”; “they constrained Him, saying, ‘Abide with us …’ And He went in to tarry with them” Lk.24.29; “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him” Jn.1.32; “He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever” Jn.14.16; “the word of the Lord endureth for ever” 1Pet.1.25.
in the doctrine of Christ: “the Christ”: not the teaching of Christ, but that about the Christ, that is, all the doctrine concerning the anointed Messiah.
hath not God: this verse is teaching that he who does not abide in the doctrine about Christ is not, and has not been, saved.
He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son: this is the contrast: it is between one who “abideth not” and the one who “abideth in”. This is seen in an obedient life, wherein one keeps to the old paths, Jer.6.16.
Deny the Apostates – vv.10,11
‘‘If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.’’
Perhaps due to her reputation for hospitality and her standing among the saints these false teachers would have visited this lady, even without an invitation.
receive him not: this is an imperative and is not up for discussion; it is to be obeyed.
into your house: Christian houses were under attack then and still are today. The home is the place where false doctrine can be spread, often to an audience that does not have the knowledge to counteract it. For example: “For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts” 2Tim.3.6; “For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake” Titus 1.10,11. This highlights the great danger of house meetings and meetings where elders are not present. There ought never to be a meeting in the assembly where the oversight is not represented. We must be spiritually alert to all the teaching that is in our homes. In our day the internet can easily become the gateway into serious error that will end in disciplined saints and divided assemblies.
neither bid him God speed: here, in v.10, her reaction to the false teachers is to be rejection. In v.7 deceivers were identified; here they are ostracised. This is our attitude towards the deceivers, not the deceived. We are not to give them any greeting, not even the common courtesies of the day: this is embraced in the expression “God speed”. If we were to do so, we may be accused of having fellowship with them. The Scriptural attitude is: no reception; no greeting; no fellowship; no support in any way. Some will say this is not a Christian attitude, but in essence it is a display of love to the Lord. Sometimes saints, in their misplaced tolerance, and what they consider Christian love, think that we should accept every thing, every teaching and every person. It seems not to matter about the Lord and His Word, but tolerance of error shows indifference. We should be earnest, not lethargic, when God’s truth is at stake.
Well may we ask the question: why did the apostle of love use such strong language in this matter? The answer is found in v.11:
for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds: this implies that by our treatment of the teacher we have fellowship with, or share with, both the teacher and the teaching. The same thought, in a contrasting context, is shown by Paul in Phil.4.14: “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.” When the Philippians sent a gift to Paul he did not say they communicated with him, but they communicated with his circumstances. J.N. Darby translates 2Jn.11, “for he who greets him partakes in his wicked works”.
ANTICIPATION: WANTING TO SEE – vv.12,13. Pleasure of Meeting (Conversational)
Design of the Apostle – v.12
‘‘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, that our joy may be full.’’
It is better to communicate personally, face to face, than in writing (or electronically). Thus we read in Matt.18.15, “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
To have fellowship in Divine things would bring full joy to the apostle, the lady and her children. This is how it ought to be: the young and old enjoying each other’s spiritual apprehension.
Decorum of the Apostle – v.13
‘‘The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.’’
Her sister in the flesh was also a sister in the Lord. She was both blood related and related by blood!