2 John 1:5Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Not as a new commandment." This agrees with what is said in the First Epistle (1 Jn 2:7). He also adds the demand of the commandment: that we love one another.

Concerning the authenticity of this Epistle, note that these words agree with what is said in the First Epistle: "We know that the one who loves God keeps His commandments" (1 Jn 5:3). To walk according to the commandments (cf. 2 Jn 1:6) means to keep them. For the virtues are bound to action, and their fulfillment is manifested in deeds.

"And now" (cf. 1 Jn 2:28), and especially now, because of the special importance of the time (2 Jn 1:7), I ask that we abide in truth and love. "Not as a new commandment," and so forth: see the notes on 1 Jn 2:7-11 and 1 Jn 3:11.

Addressing instruction to the lady herself, in the hope that she will convey everything to her children, the Apostle asks them to abide in love, which is expressed first of all in keeping the commandments. The Apostle speaks in almost the same words in his First Epistle about love as a commandment that is not new, and about its manifestation through the keeping of the commandments (see 1 Jn 4:6, 8; 1 Jn 5:2, 3, 5).

Why the Apostle especially exhorts them to be strengthened in love and to support one another by it is clear from what follows. There he speaks of the appearance of false teachers, who by their life and teaching turn Christians away from the true path and thereby divert them from true Christian love.