Matthew Henry

1-3

'The elder' expresses much about the author, who was the oldest of apostles at this writing. The elders of Israel were revered, moreso then, the elders of the Gospel. An old, long-standing disciple is honorable, moreso an old, long-standing teacher of apostles. The lady is apparently a lady of means or nobility, one of those from whom not many are called. She is chosen of God, as demonstrated by her walk. Likely a widow, she is addressed along with her children, thus making this a family letter. It would be well for children to know that such letters have been addressed to them. They are honored together as those whom the beloved apostle truly loves, and by the general acknowledgement of the godly of her godly estate. We who love truth should love it in others, and should testify to it when it is found in others. This will act as encouragement to all. Such dwelling in truth ought to be the permanent state of the Christian. In the benediction John gives, we see the Father as the source, the fountain of blessedness, and the Christ, the Son of the Father, (1Jn 1:2 - who is eternal life) as the author and communicator of these blessings. The blessings sought are divine favor (which is shown in the fact that we are blessed at all), free pardon (which even those blessed by grace need always), and serenity of conscience, knowing their reconciliation secure. Whether truth and love be the spirit of the apostle in blessing, or the thing produced in the blessed by the blessing; either way, such blessings will serve to preserve true faith and love.

 

 

Adam Clarke

1

It is believed that John was about 90 at the time of this letter, and thus 'elder' refers to age rather than office, he being the oldest apostle and the only one to die naturally. There is no basis for seeing this as a letter from some other John the Presbyter. 'Lady' might be a title as the feminine of 'lord', or it might be a proper name, as some of the older manuscripts imply. Some have seen 'elect' as a name as well. Others think this addressed to a church, perhaps that in Jerusalem, from that in Ephesus. Adam feels it is addressed to a person. The love offered is that required by Christianity. Her reputation was witnessed to by many who had benefited by her hospitality.

2

This letter comes because of the Gospel which grace has proclaimed such that it dwells in us, and will be preserved forever by God Himself.

3

Grace is bid not only upon the lady and her household, but also upon whatever portion of the church was under her care. Even in this opening, the Gnostic lie of Christ's not being human is countered.

 

 

Barnes

1

The greeting given to Kyria is such as is applied to Christians throughout the NT: 'elect'. Of the children referred to, we can assume at least some were sons. John's love for these was sincere. One might infer that Kyria was a widow, as her husband is never mentioned. She is known favorably amongst all such Christians as have had contact with her. This "shows that it is POSSIBLE that a family shall be extensively known as one of order, peace, and religion."

2

Because they love truth, they love also this family. Love of the Gospel will lead to a love for the fruits it produces in others. Truth dwells permanently with all who love true religion, it is not a temporary thing.

3

The benediction is similar to those common amongst the epistles (Ro 1:7 - grace and peace are offered from the Father and the Christ.) The only difference here is in emphasis on Jesus as the Son of God, which is common to John's writings. (1Jn 2:22-23 - antichrist denies that He is the Son. 1Jn 4:15 - to confess Jesus as the Son of God is to abide in Him and God. 1Jn 5:1 - To believe Jesus the Christ is to be born of God, and such will love the Father and His Son. 1Jn 5:10-12 - Denying the Son is denying the Father, having the Son is having life eternal. 1Jn 5:20 - It is the Son of God that has come and given us understanding. He is true God and eternal life.) Truth and love are to be applied to the blessings, not the source in this sentence. Thus the blessings are given to promote truth and love in the blessed.

 

 

Wycliffe

1

That he writes as an elder, rather than as apostle, supports the idea that this is a personal letter, since it's a more personal appellation. Elder may refer to either age (1Ti 5:1-2 - where one ought to treat the elders as parents. 1Pe 5:5 - and to whom the younger ought subject themselves), or office (Ac 11:30 - Barnabus and Saul were sent to the elders of the church. Ac 14:23 - Such elders were appointed in every church. Other examples abound: Ac 15:4, Ac 16:4, Ac 20:17, 1Ti 5:17, Ti 1:5, Jas 5:14, 1Pe 5:1). Both mother and children are loved in 'all Christian sincerity,' as they would be by any Christian that knew them.

2

The Truth (Christ) and the Spirit make love for them possible. The Truth is the foundation of a believer's love.

3

The blessing is offered with confident assurance. The favor of God toward sinners, the compassion of God for us in our misery, and the state of wholeness that comes when sin and misery are removed - these are the things proffered. The distinction of the persons of Father and Son is emphasized.

 

 

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown

1

Being a personal letter, John is less formal. Some see Kyria as a proper name, akin to the Hebrew 'Martha,' her position of influence making her family the target of deceivers, and thus, John's warning letter. Others see it a church, perhaps that in Babylon (noted in 1Pe 5:13, in a similar style of metaphor.) "Christian love rests in Christian truth." All Christianity is joined in a single fellowship of faith and love.

2

Those who love truly, love because of the Truth. This truth abides forever according to Christ's promise (Jn 14:16-17 - At Christ's request the Holy Spirit, which is truth was sent to be with us, and in us forever.)

3

This is both prayer and affirmation. Grace will abide. '"Grace" covers men's sins; "mercy," their miseries.' Guilt must be removed before mercy can relieve. The end result is peace, (Php 4:6-7 - which is maintained by casting our cares on Christ with thanksgiving.) These three cannot be had but in truth and love. (1Ti 1:14 - Paul says faith and love, which is similar as faith and truth are close kindred.)

 

 

New Thoughts

Grace, mercy, and peace. What a beautiful trinity of blessings! And they will abide. It's not a question. God's grace will always come to remove our guilt - His unwarranted favor shown to us who have done nothing to deserve it. God's mercy will always be here to relieve our pain and shame, to comfort us as we repent and recover. God's peace will always be there waiting for us to cast our cares upon Him again, give thanks for His grace and mercy upon us, and return to it. God, You're awesome. I think not of Your great power and might at this point, but the sheer generosity of Your spirit. That You would reach out in such ways to such as I. That You would call out to me, who wanted nothing to do with You. That You, who are all, and in all, and created all, would stoop down to prove yourself to my meager doubting mind - offer such proof as I deemed necessary; and that without the snide amusement I might show in similar situations. I am blessed simply to know You, Lord. To know You as Father, as my father, is enough almost to unbalance me! To realize who You are, how You are, and yet realize at the same time that You have desired us to be family. And even now, I don't appreciate it as I should, do I? I'm still all too ready to set You aside for later. God help me. Indeed, bind me together, Lord. Help my love to come to that point of being true - of being at its base what it appears to be on the surface, oh God. Go deep, Lord. Rip up and replace those broken connections in me, that I might love You as I should, and so love me as I should, and so my family. God, my love is a broken thing. Would You fix it? Would You do what only You can do, and bring the change and the healing and the humbling that are necessary that this heart of mine might be a heart of Yours? I fall upon Your grace and mercy even now, and I thank You that You are willing that I might become more like You intended. I lay hold of the peace You provide in the confident assurance that You hear me, and are pleased to answer. Help me to be pleased with the answer as it comes. Thank You, again.