II John 1:9
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Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The loss (Jo2 1:8) meant is here explained: the not having God, which results from abiding not in the doctrine of Christ. transgresseth--The oldest manuscripts and versions read, "Every one who takes the lead"; literally, "goes," or "leads on before"; compare Joh 10:4, "He goeth before them" (not the same Greek). Compare Jo3 1:9, "Loveth to have the pre-eminence." hath not God-- (Jo1 2:23; Jo1 5:15). The second "of Christ" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts, but is understood in the sense. He--emphatical: He and He alone.
Open source ↗The apostle here salutes an honourable matron and her children (Jo2 1:1-3). Recommends to them faith and love (Jo2 1:5, Jo2 1:6). Warns them of deceivers (Jo2 1:7), and to take heed to themselves (Jo2 1:8). Teaches how to treat those who bring not the doctrine of Christ (Jo2 1:10, Jo2 1:11). And, referring other things to personal discourse, concludes the epistle (Jo2 1:12, Jo2 1:13).
Open source ↗1:9 Anyone who wanders away from this teaching (literally everyone going beyond and not remaining in the teaching): To go beyond is to contradict the apostolic teachings about Jesus Christ and believe things about Jesus that were not taught by the apostles. This is a warning to the church not to listen to the false teachers.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.
If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”
not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,
We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.