And 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.
2 John 1:6 Commentary
Verse: "And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it." (2 John 1:6, ESV)
Introduction
This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian love and obedience, forming a bridge between moral living and adherence to God's commandments. In this commentary, insights from esteemed figures such as Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke will be combined to enhance understanding for pastors, students, theologians, and Bible scholars.
Exegesis of the Text
Walking in Commandments: The phrase "we walk according to his commandments" indicates a lifestyle characterized by obedience to God's Word. Matthew Henry points out that genuine love towards God manifests in our compliance with His laws. This walking is not merely adherence but is reflective of an ongoing relationship with God.
The Nature of Love: The use of the term "love" in this verse emphasizes the profound connection between love and obedience. Barnes highlights that true love for God involves a willingness to follow His instructions and principles as laid out in Scripture, reinforcing that love and obedience are not separate but intricately linked.
Historical Context: Adam Clarke discusses the context of this epistle as being addressed to early Christians who faced deception and false teachings about Christ's nature. The command to love and walk in accordance with God's commandments serves as a safeguard against such influences and reflects the teachings delivered from the very beginning of Christianity.
Theological Implications
Love Defined by Action: The statement "this is love" suggests that love is active rather than passive. As evidenced in the writings of Matthew Henry, love is not simply an emotion; it is demonstrated through actions. The Christian love admonished in this verse necessitates a commitment to living out God's commandments faithfully.
The Commandments as a Guide: The reference to "this is the commandment" reiterates the importance of God's decrees in guiding the moral and spiritual life of believers. Barnes notes that the commandments serve as a blueprint for community living, emphasizing the relational aspect of following God’s laws, not just as rules but as a means to foster fellowship with God and others.
Continuity of Teaching: The phrase "just as you have heard from the beginning" signifies the stability and continuity of Christ's teachings. Clarke elaborates that from the inception of the Christian faith, the imperative to love and obey has remained constant, arguing that the timelessness of this command should resonate deeply with believers in every age.
Practical Applications
Living in Obedience: For pastors and leaders, this verse serves as a call to exemplify and teach obedience as an expression of love. As Matthew Henry delineates, the church must emphasize living in alignment with God’s will, ensuring that congregants understand the relational aspect of their compliance to commandments.
Encouraging Actionable Faith: The teaching in this verse encourages believers to evaluate their faith in terms of actionable love. Clarke accentuates that intellectual agreement with Scripture must translate into a living faith that seeks to embody love through obedience, encouraging outreach and service that reflect these values.
Counteracting Deception: In light of false teachings, this scripture urges believers to anchor themselves in the truth of God’s commandments, acting as a defense mechanism against doctrines that stray from scriptural foundations. Barnes suggests fostering knowledge of scripture within congregations to equip them against such deceptions.
Conclusion
The message communicated in 2 John 1:6 challenges all believers to consider the depth of their love for God, operationalized through obedience to His commandments. The insights provided by Henry, Barnes, and Clarke serve as a rich resource for understanding that love is not merely an abstract concept but one that is lived out daily in the actions and choices reflective of God's truth.
This composition invites pastors, students, and theologians to reflect on their commitment to live according to Christ’s commandments, ensuring that love remains at the core of their faith journey.
