Author: Charlie Garrett

Friday, 19 June 2020

The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 John -1

The letter of 2 John does not bear a name to identify the author. Rather, the contents themselves make it clear that John is, in fact, the one who is penning the letter. Understanding this, he begins with words to identify himself to his audience, saying, “The Elder.” Here, he uses the word presbuteros, signifying an older person, or a person of seasoned judgment, as through experience. It is where the modern denomination Presbyterian comes from, signifying leadership by a body of seasoned and experienced men.

By the time this was written, John was more than likely the only surviving apostle. Calling himself the elder indicated both his age and his position. No other name would be needed as his identity would be well understood. From there, he then opens this letter “To the elect lady.”

Despite seeming to be a simple addressee to identify, it is actually an impossible thing to do so without something further to go on. The Greek words are eklektē kyria. Some take this as a particular lady, being addressed by name. However, even that becomes complicated. Is it a Greek woman, “the elect Kyria” (the Greek word for “lady” is kuria and was a common name at the time, like Sarah today); is it a Babylonian woman, “Electa the lady;” or is it a compound name, “Electa Kyria?” Some argue that this cannot be a proper name because the letter will later (verse 13) speak of “The children of your elect sister,” thus identifying it as a body of believers.

Further, John will begin to speak in the plural to the addressee in just a few verses. For example, verse 8 says, “Look to yourselves.” For this reason, it is then thought that it is a body of believers. Indeed, such changes in the pronouns are found elsewhere. When Moses addresses Israel in Deuteronomy, he switches between the singular and the plural quite often.

Due to this, it is then believed that the “elect lady” is a particular church body, and John is changing the pronouns in order to make points concerning individual or group issues. One reason for the unusual address – whether an individual or a body – could be to protect the identity of the believers from persecution. In writing it this way, it would be vague enough that nobody could clearly say, “We will get that person,” or “We will close down that church.”

In the end, the answer to this is debated over, but being dogmatic, without some type of further evidence, is not a sound approach. Rather, giving the options and allowing them to be considered by each individual will expand the understanding of the nuances for all who are so instructed.

John next adds in “and her children.” If an individual, it would be the actual children of the lady. Albert Barnes notes, “The word here rendered ‘children’ (τέκνοις teknois) would include in itself both sons and daughters, but since the apostle immediately uses a masculine pronoun, τοις tois it would seem more probable that sons only were intended.” However, even if daughters are included, it is certain that some children were sons. The Greek masculine will then cover both sexes.

If the elect lady is a body of believers, then the children are the parishioners. Again, the use of the masculine Greek would indicate males and possibly females as well. It could even be that the letter is an encyclical, and it is addressing each church that will receive the letter in this manner. Thus, it could be a reference to all true churches (and then, by implication, all churches to this day – because it is included in the Bible).

John next says of his addressee, “whom I love in truth.” Some versions say, “whom I love in the truth.” The inclusion of a definite article here is inappropriate. The Greek reads, “whom I love in truth.” By adding an article, it makes the love conditional based on the circumstances concerning “the truth.” No such thought is hinted at. Rather, John loves his addressee “in truth” and without conditions. They are believers, and his love extends to them, unconditionally, in that sphere. This is reflected, for example, in 1 John 3:18 –

“My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”

From there, he says, “and not only I.” These words indicate that the sphere of love, meaning “in truth,” is not limited to him alone. This does not help indicate who the addressee actually is. It still could be a single lady and her children or a church of believers. However, it is a word of comfort and assurance for either if they are isolated, small, persecuted, or so on. It is not simply John who loves them in truth, “but also all those who have known the truth.”

As this is a perfect participle, it should say something like, “having known,” or “have come to know.” It isn’t something they merely knew in the past, but it is complete and ongoing. All who are in Christ are included. The love in truth extends far beyond the ink of John’s pen to all believers. It is a note of great comfort to the elect lady and her children.

Life application: Whether a church and its congregants, or a lady and her children, John loved them personally and they were loved within the entire scope of the greater church. Because what he says in the letter could be addressed to a church group or a family as well, a broader picture of what is being said, without a final determination as to the addressee, is the better choice.

Concerning the other believers that John includes in the letter, meaning “those who have known the truth,” John states it in such a way as to refer to those who have personal knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is an attitude we today should continue to display as we deal with other believers in other bodies.

For now, we are in a new book, and in an exciting new adventure! Of the five books written by the Apostle John (John, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation), this is the shortest of them all – containing only 13 verses and, hence, only 13 days to revel in it. Let us endeavor to do so!

Lord God, we look forward with anticipation to each new book of Your word, and to all the wonderful insights that You reveal to us in them. Thank You for having preserved Your precious word for us so that we can peer into Your heart, and into the intent You have for us by including them in Your Holy Bible. Amen.

Thursday, 18 June 2020

The Book of 2 John; an Introduction.

The book of 2 John is the 63^rd book of the Bible, and it is comprised of 1 chapter of 13 verses. A verse-per-day evaluation of 2 John will take less than two weeks to complete!

John is the Apostle John who was personally called by Jesus. Matthew 4:21, 22 reveals his formal calling by the Lord –

“Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, ²² and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”

John is held to be the author of the Gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3 John; and the book of Revelation. He is highlighted in the gospels as being one of an inner circle who most closely associated with Jesus. This also included Peter and John’s brother, James. In the gospel which bears his name, he refers to himself as the disciple “whom Jesus loved” (for example, see John 13:23).

Based on the terminology of some verses in the gospels, it is speculated by some that John may actually be a first cousin of Jesus. However, this cannot be determined without a measure of speculation.

Like the book of 1 John, no writer is specifically identified as being the author of 2 John. Rather, only the title, “The Elder,” is given in the first verse. However, the obvious similarities in writing style give a strong hint that he is, in fact, the same author of both epistles.

The letter is addressed to “the elect lady and her children.” The meaning of that will be evaluated when that verse is analyzed.

The dating of the letter is reasonably assumed to be around the same time as for that of 2 John – from the mid-80s to the mid-90s.

The main theme of 2 John is “Abiding in the truth.” Thus, the main purpose of the epistle is “To warn believers about false teachers.”

The main presentation of Christ in the epistle is “Jesus Christ, the Truth.”

A short review of the book includes the following –

Author – The Apostle John
Date – Mid 80s to mid 90s
Theme – Abiding in the truth.
Purpose – To warn believers about false teachers.
Presentation of Christ – The Truth

A limited outline of the book would be –

The Book of 2 John – Knowing the Truth

Book Superstructure 
* Truth – Knowing it.

Book Structure
* Personal letter.

Book Outline
* Walking in Christ and His commandments; rejecting deceivers.

Life application: We hope that you will spend the next 13 days of your life learning the book of 2 John, one verse at a time. From there, we hope you will apply its truths to your life, molding yourself more each day into being a faithful and wholehearted follower of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.

Lord God, may it be our great and burning desire to be faithful in studying Your word each day. May we accept its truths as they are revealed to us, keeping them in proper context. And, may we then apply those truths to our walk before You. May we, each day of our lives, pursue Jesus Christ who is our Life, Light, and Truth. Be with us as we pursue the knowledge of Your Son, our Lord and Savior, who is so clearly presented in Your precious word. To Your glory we pray. Amen.

Wednesday 17 June 2020

Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. 1 John 5:21

John finishes this epistle with a simple thought. It seems almost disconnected from anything else he has said, as if it is an afterthought affixed to the main letter, but such is not the case. He begins this final verse with the word teknia, or “little children.”  It is the seventh time he has used this term, and it is the last use of it in the New Testament. He uses it in a form of fatherly address to his darlings, forming an appeal that is to be taken to heart. With that said, he continues with, “keep yourselves from idols.”

Here, John uses a much stronger term for “keep” than he did in verse 18. The word here can be equated with a soldier guarding a garrison. In other words, “defend heavily” yourselves from idols.

The word “idols” is prefixed by an article that is generally not translated, but rightly should be – “keep yourselves from the idols.” The people of the world were, and continue to be, surrounded by idols of all kinds. In saying, “keep yourselves from the idols,” it bears the intent of, “keep yourselves away from anything that will draw your attention from God.”

The connection to the epistle is obvious. In his previous verse, he said, “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.” Idols are false gods, which are no gods at all. They do not reveal anything about God, nor do they offer anything from God. In drawing near to idols, one moves away from the true God.

Therefore, it is incumbent on all people to pursue the knowledge of Jesus Christ. In this, the true God is made manifest to us. And that thought then goes back another verse where John says that “the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” If one draws near to idols, which are not of God, they are drawing near to that which lies within the domain of the devil.

John’s desire for God’s people, his “little children,” is similar to what Paul admonished toward those in Thessalonica – “Test all things, hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, 22). By keeping from the idols, John’s addressees would be on the proper path to do just that.

Finally, John finishes the epistle with the word, “Amen.” In essence, “So let it be.” John has instructed his little children, and now he anticipates that it will be so for them, and for all who afterward receive his letter, taking it to heart and applying its truths to their lives.

Life application: The book of 1 John has been an immensely wonderful learning experience on many levels. Now, more than ever, it is hoped you will find it a book to be viewed as a wonderful treasure of insight into God’s salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this final verse, John doesn’t distinguish between types of idolatry. Instead, he speaks of all forms – both physical idols which were (and remain to this day) present in the world around us – as well as non-physical ones, such as false beliefs. Anything in our life which takes the place of worshipping God through Jesus Christ is an idol. It can be our car, our girlfriend, incorrect concepts of Jesus (such as those that various fringe cults proclaim), statues of religious figures, etc.

If you go into a church or other religious area and bow or speak to a statue, you are committing idolatry. This isn’t something to be taken lightly by saying, “Oh, I’m thinking about God as I do this.” Rationalizing away your actions which are in conflict with such a direct command from the Bible is actually a second form of idolatry. You have placed an idol before God, and then you’ve placed yourself above God by disobeying the word that He has given you. Think this through carefully; and please, please…keep yourselves from the idols. Amen.

Lord Jesus, we honor You because only You reveal the Father to us. Keep our hearts, our eyes, and our thoughts from idolatry, and keep our souls desiring only You. We love You Lord, and we give you our praise and honor. May You be highly exalted! Amen.

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

John now presents his third and final “we know,” saying, “And we know that the Son of God has come.” John has laid out this fact, both in his gospel, and also in this epistle (which may have been a letter which accompanied the gospel or a letter sent separately).

John the Baptist proclaimed this fact right at the beginning of the gospel, saying, “And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John the Apostle declared it right at the beginning of his epistle, saying –

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— ² the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— ³ that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:1-4

The evidences are laid out through all of the gospels, Acts, and the other epistles as well. There is as much (and indeed there is more) certainty that the Son of God has come as any other event in ancient history. This is even more apparent when the prophets before Christ’s coming prophesied in minute detail of when He would come, to where He would come, what He would do, and etc. With this surety of testimony available, John then says, “and has given us an understanding.”

The words here are not referring to a new ability not known before. We are the same species now that we were since creation. All humans have the same ability (if they are willing to use it) to think rationally, to test the evidences before them, to make logical conclusions, and so on. What John is referring to are the evidences presented. The record of the prophets, the writings of the gospels, the explanation in the epistles, the unveiling of the mysteries previously hidden, and so on. They are now available to believers, and thus we have been given an understanding, which is, “that we may know Him who is true.”

This is speaking of God, the Creator, and the One to whom all men are accountable to. There is one God, and the writings found in Scripture are what we would call “special revelation.” We can know things about God from nature, from thinking logically, and etc. This is known as “general revelation.” But there are things we cannot know about God unless He specifically reveals them to us. The highest form of special revelation is the incarnation of Jesus Christ. From that, we learn what is written about Him and His work.

In knowing these things, we are given an understanding to “know Him who is true.” What is otherwise completely unknowable about God can now be understood. The testimony is true, as is stated in John 3:33, “He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true.” And not only do we know that the God we are presented with in Scripture is true, but we can also “know Him.” This was stated in John’s gospel as well –

“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”

The God presented to us is true, and it is the Son – Jesus – who has declared Him. Thus, we can “know Him who is true.” The thoughts presented fit as perfectly as the most carefully made glove. The one who is given this understanding has a sound, logical, verifiable, and readily available understanding of these things. Along with this blessed state, John then adds, “and we are in Him who is true.”

The words here speak of intimate union and fellowship. Where we once were alienated from God, we are now brought near though Christ. What is implied here, but stated explicitly elsewhere, is the truth that without Christ this intimate union would be impossible. The only way to be united to God – and to have this personal, eternal, and blessed relationship – is to come to God through Christ. This is, as John next says, “in His Son Jesus Christ.”

What this means is that to be in “Him who is true,” meaning in God, one must be in Jesus Christ. When one is in Christ, He is in God. It should be noted that the construction of the Greek here is the same as was seen in verse 5:19 concerning the wicked one –

“in the evil one”
“in the (Him who is) true; in the Son of Him Jesus Christ.”

John has formed a complete divide between the two. On one side is “the whole world,” and on the other are those “in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ.” There are no other options available. One is either in Christ, or he is in the devil.

John then finishes with the words, “This is the true God and eternal life.” The words are in the masculine singular – “He is the true God and life eternal.” Because of this, scholars debate whether this is referring to God or to Jesus. The Pulpit Commentary says, “We must be content to leave the question open; both interpretations make excellent sense, and none of the arguments in favour of either are decisive.”

Albert Barnes gives the most delightful 5-point analysis which resoundingly favors the words pointing to Jesus – for obvious reasons. It is well worth reading, and it can be seen at this link – https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_john/5-20.htm.

The answer to this is not unimportant, and so to understand more fully what John is relaying, the previous clauses need to be carefully laid out and examined –

1) that we may know Him who is true.
2) and we are in Him who is true.
3) in His Son Jesus Christ.
4) This is the true God and eternal life.

The answer to the question is obvious when placed this way. John first gives the reason for the coming of Christ. It is so that we may know Him who is true. It is speaking of God. As noted above, we cannot know God in this special way without Him revealing Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ.

John then says, “we may know Him who is true.” This must be speaking of God, because he then says, “in His Son Jesus Christ.” He is showing that there are two entities being referred to by stating it this way – God and Jesus Christ. However, despite being two entities, they are One. The words “This is the true God” refer to both clauses – Him who is true/in His Son Jesus Christ. Despite being masculine singular, they are One. There is no Jesus Christ apart from God, and there is no God other than the God – who is inclusive of Jesus Christ – because Jesus is God, and because there is One God.

This is no different than Matthew 28:19. There it refers to the “name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” However, the word “name” is singular. There is One name because there is One God. The three Persons within the Godhead do not negate that they are – together – One God.

What John is doing is demonstrating the truth – repeated elsewhere – that God has revealed Himself, God reveals Himself, and God will eternally reveal Himself in the Person of Jesus Christ. When John says, “This is the eternal God and true life,” he is simply repeating, while restating, what he said as he opened his epistle –

“the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.” 1 John 1:2

The life, meaning Jesus Christ, was with the Father. The life, meaning eternal life, was manifested to us in the Person of Jesus Christ – who is with the Father. This is the true God and eternal life.

Life application: We know we have been given an understanding which is the ability to clearly receive and discern spiritual truth. Unlike others who claim to be spiritual, but have no foundation, we have the absolute assurance that we “may know Him who is true.” This means that Jesus has revealed the very Creator God to us.

The God who is Spirit and cannot be seen, is clearly and completely revealed in the Son. This revelation is unlike the gods invented by man. All other religions, despite their claims, are based on an incorrect and finite understanding of God. Jesus, however, is the true revelation of God and His depiction reaches to the infinite – in other words, our ability to learn from Him and seek out His glory will never end. All other religions necessarily end because they are based on finite contemplations.

So “we may know Him” is an eternally ongoing gift to us. We also know that “we are in Him.” As believers in Jesus Christ, we are adopted sons of God. We have moved from death to life and are eternally secure in His salvation. This then “is the true God and eternal life.” We have the Son and therefore we have the Father. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Jesus is the cornerstone, and we are living stones being built into an eternal temple in which God will dwell. It is the most incredible thing to ponder! Thank You, O God, for Jesus.

Lord, may we never be so haughty as to assume that we have merited Your grace. We can only look to what You have done and say, “O God, how great Thou art!” When we were separated and lost, You sent our Great Shepherd to find us and bring us to Your fold. And here we are…looking forward to eternity in Your glorious presence, ever praising You. Amen.

Monday, 15 June 2020

We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. 1 John 5:19

John now presents a second “we know.” This time, he says, “We know that we are of God.” He just said, “We know that whoever is born of God does not sin.” The reason for this is that Christ keeps watch over us and guards us (through the non-imputation of sin) and therefore, “the wicked one does not touch him.” As a reminder, the word translated as “touch” signified that the devil has no power to bring about a change in the person.

Understanding these points, which John states as facts, we can then grasp the difference between believers and the rest of the world. When John says, “We know,” it does not mean that everyone grasps these things. It means that they are available to be grasped. In other words, these are truths which exist, even if we have not reasoned them out or been instructed in their contents. The first clause, however, should be something that every believer grasps. Unfortunately, it is not always the case.

The words of the gospels, including the words of Jesus recorded there – as well as the rest of the New Testament – testifies to the fact that when a believer comes to God, he can be certain of this truth. As John says, “We know that we are of God.” The Greek preposition ek is used. It signifies “out of” or “from.” The source of who we are as believers is from God. The truth of John’s words is clearly revealed in the first chapter of his gospel record –

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: ¹³ who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12, 13

To be begotten of God means to be of God. Paul frequently uses the term “son” to indicate the relationship between God and those who come to Him through Christ. There is a Father/son relationship which is established through a process of adoption into the family of God (See Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:5, Ephesians 1:5, etc). To contrast this, John next says, “and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”

These words support those of the previous verse. John said, “the wicked one does not touch him (meaning believers),” but those who have not come to Christ are under the complete control of the devil. The word John uses, translated as “lies,” means exactly that. When one lies, he is in a state which is set. One doesn’t amble around when lying. Thus, the idea is that of total control.

Therefore, the words “under the sway of” which are inserted by the translators are not strong enough. They make is seem as if the devil has the authority to manipulate them, something which is true, but it is stronger than that. The idea is that of full authority.

A person may be able to make an animal do certain things, but he may not have full control and authority over that animal. The same is true with a computer program. A computer hacker may be able to cause a computer (have sway over) to mine bitcoin for him, but the rest of the computer is still under the authority of the owner who doesn’t even know a portion of the computer is being used.

However, nonbelievers are under the authority of the devil. He doesn’t need to sway them; they are his property. This was confirmed, for example, in Chapter 3 –

“He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8

This is why the doctrine of the non-imputation of sin is so important, and it is why John has brought it up several times in this epistle in various ways. If sin were imputed to believers, they would no longer belong to God. They would again be the possession of the devil. But John, like Paul, has clearly shown that this can no longer happen. It is, once again and logically demonstrated, a presentation of the doctrine of eternal salvation.

Believers go from the authority of the devil to the authority (once and forever) of God when they come to Him through Jesus Christ. To state otherwise is to call into question the truth of the Word of God, the faithfulness of God to His word, and it is to diminish – or rather to utterly obliterate – the significance of the cross of Jesus Christ for those who have trusted in Him.

Life application: Because we are born of God, we know that we are of God. This is the same as saying, “We know that we are of the human race because we are born of Adam.”

Being born of God then unites us with Him. In turn, we can never again be overtaken by the devil. This is the dividing line between saved believers and the lost – those who are born of God are of God, and those who are not belong – lock, stock, and barrel – to the devil. This power of the devil encompasses the entire system of the world. Although we live in the world, we are not of the world. For this reason, we need to live as if it is the case.

Further, we are to accept that the change in us is real, it is fully capable to save us, and it is fully capable to continue to save us. If sin is imputed to believers after coming to Christ, then the Bible is in error, the message of the cross is a lie, and there is no hope for man.

If you are struggling with these things, continue to think them through. The word is clear, but our ability to comprehend it is limited. The more we meditate on the word, the more our minds will become attune to the truths that are presented there. Put away the things of the world and focus on the things of God.

Heavenly Father, you have given us the dividing line between the world and You – our Lord Jesus. Give us the wisdom to study Your word, and in turn to learn more about You and what You have done for us in the work of Jesus. Keep us from the temptations of the world and keep us focused on You alone. We pray this so that you will be glorified. Amen.