2 John 1:2Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having said, "which abides in us," he added, "and will be with us forever." To this he again joined the words that grace and mercy will be with us, showing what blessings spring from perfect love.

For the sake of the truth. That is, for the sake of the Holy Spirit, because through the Holy Spirit love always increases.

"For the sake of the truth," and so forth: by these words the apostle strengthens and explains the reason why he, together with all who have known the truth, loves this virtuous and God-fearing household.

The cause and foundation of this love does not lie in any external advantages, such as lineage, special position, wealth, or anything similar in the lady and her children. It lies in the truth.

All who love her and them, together with the apostle, love her and them for the sake of the truth, which abides in us. That is, it abides in all believers, the regenerated and those who have known the truth, in the apostle, in the lady with her children, and in all who have known the truth.

Since the apostle wrote his Epistle chiefly in order to warn Christians against heretical errors that rise up against the truth, he speaks of the unceasing and eternal abiding of Christians in the truth.

For the preservation of the truth among those to whom he writes, the apostle wishes them all the gifts of grace that help not only to abide in the truth, but also to be strengthened in it.

Speaking of the abiding of truth with Christians, the apostle reminds them of the Lord's promise: "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever, the Spirit of truth" (Jn 14:16-17).