Reading Plan · Day 358
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2 John, 3 John, Jude
Day 358
Day 358 Read
Where You Stopped
2 John 1
1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all they that know the truth; 2for the truth’s sake which abideth in us, and it shall be with us for ever:
1The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3Grace, mercy, peace shall be with us, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
3Grace 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.
Commentary · verse 3
Three effects of God abiding in us: grace, mercy, and peace.
4I rejoice greatly that I have found certain of thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father.
4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Commentary · verse 4
This lady was a mother and John commended her on her children.
5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it.
5And 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.
6And 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.
Commentary · verses 5-6
John continued to emphasize loving one another. This was a commandment from God that we ought to walk (progress/grow) in. This was a theme from John's first epistle.
7For many deceivers are gone forth into the world, even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
7For 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.
Commentary · verse 7
Jesus came in the flesh and those who oppose are an antichrist. Again, this was another theme from John's first epistle.
8Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward.
8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
Commentary · verse 8
John spoke of a "full reward." This meant that we could end up with something less than what God willed for us because of our choices.
9Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son.
9Whosoever 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.
Commentary · verse 9
This letter included the "teaching" of Christ as part of the model of God abiding in us. This verse focused on Salvation.
10If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: 11for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.
10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Commentary · verses 10-11
John blatantly stated that we should not bring someone into our house who did not bring the teaching of Christ. This did not mean we judge those who were without the teaching of Christ and this did not mean we did not meet with those who were without the teaching of Christ.
Doctrines on this passage
12Having many things to write unto you, I would not write them with paper and ink: but I hope to come unto you, and to speak face to face, that your joy may be made full.
13The children of thine elect sister salute thee.
12Having 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.
13The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Commentary · verses 12-13
John concluded this letter by saying he had many things to write (he must have hit only the high points, which seemed to be the same high points as in his first epistle) and that his objective was to help her ("lady") joy be made full.
Commentary · verse 13
Like John's first epistle, this second epistle was believed to have been written from Ephesus around 90 AD. This second epistle was written to a specific lady with children.
Where You Stopped
3 John 1
1The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Commentary · verses 1-2
John wrote to Gaius. It was not known if this was the same Gaius as in Acts 19:29, Acts 20:4, Romans 16:23, and 1 Corinthians 1:14. John mentioned three areas that we all need to work on: soul, health, and finances. Notice, John made the soul the cause ("even as") and the physical health and physical resources were effects. Some people interpreted the Greek root word for Salvation as covering all three of these areas: soul, health, and prosperity.
Doctrines on this passage
3For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.
4Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; 6who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God: 7because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
5Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:
7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
Commentary · verses 5-7
John mentioned fellowship and that this group went on a journey to evangelize for Christ's Name's sake.
8We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
Commentary · verse 8
John said we ought to welcome such people so we can be in community with the truth.
9I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
Commentary · verse 9
John had written to Diotrephes who did not receive John and his group. Diotrephes loved "preeminence" which meant "to desire to be first." It seemed that there were contentions in the churches John dealt with decades after the Book of Acts.
10Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.
10Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
Commentary · verse 10
This was the only threat that was recorded connected to John. John said that if he went, he would confront Diotrephes face-to-face. Diotrephes had been casting out believers from the church.
11Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
Commentary · verse 11
Verse 11 was very similar to what was written in 1 John. John was more specific stating that we ought to imitate good, not imitate evil.
12Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.
13I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen: 14but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:
14But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Commentary · verses 12-14
John supported Demetrius. There were many things John did not write because he trusted that he would see them face-to-face.
Where You Stopped
Jude 1
1Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:
1Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
Commentary · verse 1
Jude, a servant of Christ and the brother of James (who wrote the epistle of James), wrote this letter to believers.
2Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied.
3Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
2Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
3Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Commentary · verses 2-3
Jude wrote to them concerning Salvation and exhorted them that they should earnestly contend for the faith: to intentionally increase their faith. Increasing your faith is done by growing in understanding of and experience with the object of your faith.
4For there are certain men crept in privily, even they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Commentary · verse 4
He wrote to them concerning Salvation because some men came in unaware and turned the grace of God into lasciviousness (immoral) and denied Jesus Christ. These people were intentional deceivers.
5Now I desire to put you in remembrance, though ye know all things once for all, that the Lord, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
5I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Commentary · verse 5
Jude's objective was to help them remember what Salvation actually was, just as God provided everything necessary to save Israel out of Egypt but destroyed those who chose to not believe. Likewise, God provided everything necessary to save us and those who chose not to believe would experience eternal punishment.
6And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he hath kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Commentary · verse 6
Peter wrote a similar passage in 2 Peter 2:4-5. Again, Jude proved Salvation was by choice because even angels chose to sin before the Flood and they were punished in tartarus.
7Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.
7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Commentary · verse 7
Peter wrote a similar passage in 2 Peter 2:6-7. Again, Sodom and the Flood were two examples where God punished because people chose not to believe. They were also the only two instances involving angels and sex. During Noah's time, some angels chose to have sex with women. During Lot's time, some men attempted to have sex with two angels.
Doctrines on this passage
8Yet in like manner these also in their dreamings defile the flesh, and set at nought dominion, and rail at dignities.
8Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
Commentary · verse 8
In verse 4, Jude was focused on the intentional deceivers that had crept into the church. Jude said those deceivers were like the examples he had just presented: they defiled the flesh through sin and spoke against the wonderful things belonging to God, like angels.
9But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
9Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
Commentary · verse 9
Jude gave an extreme example of someone handling verse 8 the right way. Michael the archangel had contended with the devil in a dispute about Moses' body. If anyone had the right to rail at dignities, it would have been Michael during the dispute over Moses' body. However, even Michael the archangel did not rail at the devil himself. Michael said "The LORD rebuke thee." This was not a physical battle. "Rebuking" was not physical, it was made up of words and sentences! This was an example of spiritual warfare.
Doctrine: We should not rebuke the devil. If Michael did not rebuke the devil, then we have no justification for doing it.
10But these rail at whatsoever things they know not: and what they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, in these things are they destroyed.
10But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.
Commentary · verse 10
This was the same as what was stated in 2 Peter 2:12-13. These people did not have faith because all they could believe was what they understood naturally, what could be seen. Animals do not have faith. Also, animals do not have understanding/reason. Likewise, Jude stated the intentional deceivers were people who lacked understanding/reason, they lacked a right WHY. Deception is a right WHAT with a wrong or no HOW/WHY. Jude gave three specific examples that illustrated HOW/WHY these intentional deceivers were destructive:
Doctrines on this passage
11Woe unto them! for they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.
11Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
Commentary · verse 11
Peter also mentioned Balaam in 2 Peter 2:15. Let's look at each example separately:
- Cain (Genesis 4) - Cain gave an offering (right WHAT) but got upset when he saw Abel's offering get respect from God (wrong WHY). Cain wanted to feel good about himself at Abel's expense, so Cain murdered Abel (wrong HOW). Cain did not have faith. He could only believe in what he could see.
- Balaam (Numbers 22-24) - God told Balaam (the right) WHAT to say. Balaam was told by God to deal with Balak in one way (right HOW), yet Balaam wanted a reward from Balak (wrong WHY), so Balaam did it his way (wrong HOW). Balaam did not have faith. He could only believe in what he could see.
- Korah (Numbers 16) - Korah rallied a group of 250 leaders against Moses (and Aaron) in order to take over. Korah got these 250 leaders to stand up against Moses and Aaron (wrong HOW) so that 250 vs. 2 would cause Moses and Aaron to appear to be wrong (wrong WHY). However, God had all 250 killed. Korah did not have faith. Korah could only believe in what he could see, and tried to get the people to be like him.
Cain wanted God's blessing. Balaam wanted money. Korah wanted power. The issue was WHY and HOW each of these three went about getting these three WHAT's.
Doctrines on this passage
12These are they who are hidden rocks in your love-feasts when they feast with you, shepherds that without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
12These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
Commentary · verse 12
Notice, the examples all had a right WHAT (appearance), yet they did not have the right HOW/WHY which would lead to profitability:
- Shepherds, that feed themselves.
- Clouds, without water.
- Leaves at harvest time, with no fruit.
Jude's measure (and God's) was profitability.
13wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever.
13Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Commentary · verse 13
These people would experience eternal punishment.
Doctrines on this passage
14And to these also Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, Behold, the Lord came with ten thousands of his holy ones, 15to execute judgment upon all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have ungodly wrought, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
14And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,
15To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.
Commentary · verses 14-15
Jude supported his premise that these intentional deceivers will experience eternal punishment with The Book of Enoch (1 Enoch 1:9). The Book of 1 Enoch was not considered canonical by the men who canonized the Bible. Jude's quoting of 1 Enoch almost caused this epistle to be removed from the Bible.
16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaketh great swelling words), showing respect of persons for the sake of advantage.
16These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.
Commentary · verse 16
The word "gossip" and its forms did not occur in the Bible. What we define as "gossipers" were known as "murmurers." The root of this word was Strong's #1111 goggyzo - "secret detraction."
Gossiping consists of two requirements:
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What is stated must detract from another person.
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This detraction must be stated in private.
Stating something that does not detract in private is not gossiping. Stating something that detracts in public is not gossiping. When you state something that detracts, ask yourself if you would say this to the person's face. If you would not, you are probably gossiping.
17But ye, beloved, remember ye the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 18that they said to you, In the last time there shall be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.
19These are they who make separations, sensual, having not the Spirit.
17But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;
18How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.
19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
Commentary · verses 17-19
Jude told them to remember the words of the Apostles and that they were warned of these events.
20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
20But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
Commentary · verse 20
Jude stated some things that could be done by believers to deal with these intentional deceivers. First, build yourself up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit, which could be tongues.
21keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Commentary · verse 21
Second, keep yourself in the love of God. This is our responsibility! We love God because He first loved us.
22And on some have mercy, who are in doubt; 23and some save, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
22And of some have compassion, making a difference:
23And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Jude stated that we should not approach everyone with the same HOW. We ought to be led of the Holy Spirit (grace). The Holy Spirit would lead us to do what will work for the individual. This could be by using mercy or by confronting them to confess and repent in order to avoid eternal punishment (fear) or even by using mercy and fear.
24Now unto him that is able to guard you from stumbling, and to set you before the presence of his glory without blemish in exceeding joy, 25to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and power, before all time, and now, and for evermore. Amen.
24Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
25To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Commentary · verses 24-25
This letter was written by Jude around 66 AD from an unknown location. Jude was the brother of James the Lesser and the half-brother of Jesus Christ. The Book of James was the first of the four authors in this mini-section of the New Testament which consisted of epistles written by four separate authors. James wrote Doctrine from a physical perspective. This was the final epistle of this mini-section. This letter was filled with Doctrine from a completely spiritual perspective. Jude was the penultimate book of the Bible. Next, was the final book of the Bible.
The "lady" was unknown but notice she was considered "elect" which meant "saved/selected in response to the excellence of the person." John stated that the reason he loved the "lady" was because of "truth." In John's first epistle we saw that truth is the Holy Spirit.