These verses come from the Second Epistle of John in the New Testament and carry a message of love and obedience to God's commandments.
- A Personal Appeal:
The passage begins with a heartfelt plea from the author, often attributed to the apostle John, to a "dear lady." While the identity of this "lady" is not specified, it is likely a reference to a Christian community or a specific congregation. John's tone is one of affection and respect.
- An Ancient Commandment:
John makes it clear that he is not introducing a new commandment but rather reiterating a fundamental principle that has been present from the beginning of the Christian faith. This principle is the commandment to love one another. The message of love and unity is central to Christianity and is rooted in Jesus' teachings, as seen in passages like John 13:34-35.
- Love and Obedience:
The core message of these verses is that love is inseparable from obedience to God's commandments. In other words, genuine Christian love is not merely a feeling or an emotion; it is expressed through actions that align with God's instructions. Love and obedience are intertwined aspects of the Christian life.
- Walking in His Commandments:
John emphasizes that love is manifested through walking in God's commandments. "Walking" in this context signifies the way one lives their life, the daily choices and actions they make. It's a practical demonstration of faith and love.
- The Commandment from the Beginning:
John further clarifies that this commandment to love and walk in God's ways is not a recent development but has been part of the Christian message "from the beginning." This emphasizes the continuity of the Christian faith and the enduring importance of this commandment.
- Significance:
Love as a Core Christian Principle: These verses reinforce the centrality of love in the Christian faith. Love is not an optional virtue but a fundamental commandment. It reminds us that our faith is not just about doctrine but about the way we treat one another.
Love and Obedience in Harmony: John's message underscores the harmony between love and obedience. True love for God and others is expressed through obedience to God's commandments. It's a holistic approach to faith that encompasses both our relationship with God and our interactions with fellow believers.
The Timeless Nature of Christian Teaching: The reference to this commandment being from the beginning highlights the timeless nature of Christian teaching. It connects the early Christian community with contemporary believers, emphasizing the enduring relevance of these principles.
Cross References:
John 13:34-35: In the Gospel of John, Jesus himself gives the commandment to love one another: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another." This aligns with the message in 2 John 5-6.
1 John 5:2: In John's first epistle, he emphasizes the connection between love and obedience: "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments." This complements the message of love and obedience in 2 John.
In conclusion, 2 John 5-6 serves as a reminder of the foundational commandment to love one another and to express that love through obedience to God's commandments. It underscores the timeless nature of Christian teaching and the inseparable link between love and obedience in the Christian life.
2 John 5-6. Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.