Walking in truth

2 John 1:4

Walking in truth

walking in truth. See WLC 144. John says he rejoiced greatly, a rare word in the NT (used only twelve times, see note on 3 Jn. 3). Paul talks about his joy in the same way eight times (see notes on Rom. 16:19; 1 Cor. 16:17; 2 Cor. 7:9, 16; Phil. 1:18; 2:17; 4:10; Col. 1:24). The phrase "walking in truth" is a biblical phrase describing true wisdom, that is, "walking in the ways of the LORD" (see notes on 2 Kgs. 20:3). The point is that knowing the truth always goes with doing the truth. One cannot have one without the other (see notes on 1 Jn. 1:6-7; 2:6, 11). People who have the truth, as John understands "the truth," have Christ and, therefore, belong to God (see note on 1 Jn. 2:4).

John's Commendation

John commends the woman and her household for their faithfulness. The elder and the woman shared the joy of seeing members of her household continuing to be faithful to the truth and, as Gingrich says, "were walking in connection with the truth's commandment to love one's brothers." See Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34; 1 John 2:7; 3:11; 4:21.

Commendation for Faithfulness. John expresses his joy that some of the members of the church are walking in the truth, that is, the command to love each other. Those who had left their congregation (see note on 1 John 2:19) were still disrupting the fellowship between church members and with their pastor, John.

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