2 John 1:5

And now I urge you, dear lady--not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning--that we love one another.

Study Bible

And now I urge you, dear lady
The "dear lady" is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to a church or congregation, rather than an individual woman. This reflects the early Christian practice of addressing communities with familial terms, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the early church. The term "urge" indicates a strong appeal or exhortation, suggesting the importance of the message that follows.

not as a new commandment to you
This phrase highlights the continuity of the message with previous teachings. It echoes the words of Jesus in John 13:34, where He gives the commandment to love one another. The emphasis here is on the timeless nature of this command, reinforcing that it is not a novel idea but a foundational principle of Christian faith.

but one we have had from the beginning
The "beginning" refers to the inception of the Christian faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This phrase underscores the consistency of the message of love throughout the history of the church. It connects to 1 John 2:7, where the same idea is presented, emphasizing the enduring and unchanging nature of this commandment.

that we love one another
This command to love is central to Christian doctrine and is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, as seen in passages like John 15:12. It reflects the agape love, a selfless, sacrificial love that is a hallmark of Christian relationships. This love is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the well-being of others, reflecting the love of Christ for humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. John the Apostle
The author of this letter, John was one of Jesus' closest disciples and is often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He wrote this letter to encourage and instruct early Christians.

2. The Elect Lady
The recipient of the letter, often interpreted as a metaphor for a local church or a specific Christian community, though some believe it could refer to an individual Christian woman.

3. Early Christian Community
The broader audience of the letter, representing the early followers of Christ who were navigating the challenges of living out their faith in a diverse and often hostile world.

Teaching Points

The Timeless Commandment
The command to love one another is not new; it is a timeless truth that has been central to the Christian faith from the beginning. This underscores the continuity and consistency of God's expectations for His people.

Love as a Defining Mark of Believers
Love is the defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ. It is through love that Christians demonstrate their faith and witness to the world.

Practical Expressions of Love
Loving one another goes beyond feelings; it involves tangible actions and sacrifices. Christians are called to actively seek the well-being of others.

Love in Truth
True Christian love is grounded in truth. It is not merely sentimental but is rooted in the truth of the Gospel and the teachings of Christ.

Community and Accountability
The command to love one another is best lived out in community, where believers can support, encourage, and hold each other accountable in their walk with Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the command to love one another, as mentioned in 2 John 1:5, relate to the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels?

2. In what ways can you practically demonstrate love to those in your church community this week?

3. How does understanding the original Greek word for "love" (agapao) deepen your understanding of this commandment?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced love from another believer. How did it impact your faith journey?

5. How can you ensure that your expressions of love are grounded in truth, as emphasized in the broader context of 2 John?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 13:34-35
Jesus gives a new commandment to love one another, which is foundational to Christian ethics and is echoed in 2 John 1:5.

1 John 3:11
Reinforces the message that loving one another is a commandment from the beginning, emphasizing its importance in the Christian life.

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus summarizes the Law and the Prophets with the commandments to love God and love your neighbor, highlighting the centrality of love in the Christian faith.