I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truthThe Apostle John expresses deep joy upon discovering that some members of the community are living according to the truth of the Gospel. This joy reflects the pastoral heart of John, who is often referred to as the "Apostle of Love." The term "children" is likely a metaphor for the members of the church, indicating a familial relationship within the body of Christ. The phrase "walking in the truth" suggests a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing both belief and practice. This aligns with John's emphasis on truth throughout his writings, as seen in
John 14:6, where Jesus declares Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life." The joy John experiences is similar to that of a shepherd who finds his sheep following the right path, echoing the sentiments found in 3
John 1:4.
just as the Father has commanded us
This phrase underscores the divine origin of the command to walk in truth, linking it directly to the will of God the Father. The commandment to live in truth is not a new concept but is rooted in the teachings of the Old Testament, where adherence to God's commandments is a sign of covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:1-9). In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates the importance of obedience to God's commands as a demonstration of love for Him (John 14:15). The reference to the Father highlights the Trinitarian nature of Christian doctrine, where the commands of God are fulfilled through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This obedience is not burdensome but is a reflection of the believer's relationship with God, as seen in 1John 5:3. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, where the moral and ethical teachings of the law are fulfilled in Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
John the ApostleThe author of this letter, traditionally understood to be John the Apostle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples. He is writing to a community of believers, often referred to as the "elect lady and her children."
2.
The Elect LadyThe recipient of the letter, possibly a metaphor for a local church or a specific woman leading a house church. The identity is not explicitly clear, but she is someone John holds in high regard.
3.
The ChildrenRefers to the members of the church or the literal children of the "elect lady." John expresses joy in seeing them adhere to the truth of the Gospel.
4.
The FatherRefers to God the Father, emphasizing the divine command to walk in truth.
5.
Walking in the TruthAn event or state of being that John celebrates, indicating a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Jesus and the commandments of God.
Teaching Points
Joy in Spiritual GrowthJohn’s joy in seeing believers walk in truth highlights the importance of spiritual growth and maturity. As believers, we should find joy in our own growth and in the growth of others within our community.
Walking in TruthWalking in truth involves living a life that aligns with God’s commandments. It is not merely about knowing the truth but actively living it out in our daily actions and decisions.
Obedience to God’s CommandmentsThe verse emphasizes obedience to God’s commandments as a fundamental aspect of Christian living. This obedience is a response to God’s love and a reflection of our commitment to Him.
Community and AccountabilityThe reference to "some of your children" suggests the importance of community and accountability in the Christian walk. We are encouraged to support and encourage one another in living out the truth.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 John 1:4?
2.How does 2 John 1:4 encourage walking in truth within our daily lives?
3.What does "walking in truth" mean in the context of 2 John 1:4?
4.How can parents ensure their children "walk in truth," as in 2 John 1:4?
5.What other scriptures emphasize the importance of walking in truth?
6.How can our church community support each other in "walking in truth"?
7.What does 2 John 1:4 reveal about the importance of truth in Christian living?
8.How does 2 John 1:4 emphasize the role of obedience in faith?
9.Why is walking in truth significant according to 2 John 1:4?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1?
11.Who is the author of 2 John?
12.What is the main message of 2 John?
13.What defines the Spirit of the Antichrist?
14.Is God our Father?What Does 2 John 1:4 Mean
I was overjoyedJohn’s opening phrase overflows with genuine delight.
• His heart mirrors the Father’s own joy when His children obey (Zephaniah 3:17).
• Similar pastoral gladness shows up in 3John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth”.
• Paul felt it too—“You are our glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:20).
The verse reminds us that leaders find their deepest satisfaction not in numbers or programs but in seeing believers flourish spiritually.
to findJohn didn’t rely on rumor; he personally “found” evidence of faithfulness.
• Barnabas “saw the grace of God” in Antioch and rejoiced (Acts 11:23).
• The risen Lord tells the churches, “I know your deeds” (Revelation 2:2).
• Authentic discipleship is observable; fruit can be spotted (Matthew 7:16).
This discovery language encourages us to look for—and acknowledge—God’s work in others.
some of your childrenThe addressee, “the elect lady” (v. 1), likely represents a local congregation, so her “children” are individual believers.
• Spiritual family ties run deep (Galatians 6:10).
• Paul called Timothy his “true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2).
• Even if only “some” were flourishing, John still celebrated them—grace recognizes partial progress without ignoring the rest who need help.
walking in the truth“Walking” pictures continuous, everyday conduct, not a momentary stance.
• Jesus identified Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6); to walk in truth is to imitate Him.
• Truth is not merely believed; it’s lived out (James 1:22).
•Ephesians 4:1 urges us to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling.”
• Consistency matters: “Teach me Your way, O LORD, that I may walk in Your truth” (Psalm 86:11).
John’s joy, then, flows from seeing doctrine translated into lifestyle.
just as the Father has commanded usObedience to God’s explicit commands anchors the entire verse.
• Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
•1 John 2:3-6 links assurance with obedience: those who “keep His word” walk as Jesus walked.
• Even under the New Covenant, God’s people heed His voice “that it may go well with you” (Deuteronomy 5:33).
• The standard is not cultural opinion but the Father’s unchanging Word.
By tying their walk to divine command, John affirms that truth is objective and that loving obedience is the proper response.
summaryJohn’s short sentence stacks joy upon discovery, discovery upon relationship, relationship upon consistent conduct, and conduct upon God’s clear commands. His delight challenges us to:
1. Notice and celebrate evidences of grace in fellow believers.
2. Nurture relationships that feel like family.
3. Keep truth in motion—doctrine expressed through daily obedience.
4. Measure faithfulness by what the Father has said, not by shifting standards.
In doing so, we share the apostle’s joy and reflect the Father’s heart.
(2) St. John had lately had opportunity of observing bow some of the matron's children proved their adherence to the truth by their daily conduct. Having congratulated her about this, he states the chief thing which he desires of her: the pure Christian love which implies every other grace and virtue; in other words, walking after the divine commandments. That this love should be pure, that these commandments should be unimpaired, it was necessary to remember that nothing new could be added to the original message of Christ. This warning was timely, because many errors had already appeared, especially that greatest error which denied the Incarnation. The family must, therefore, be on its guard, lest it should be cheated of its reward. The test was very simple: any advance beyond the doctrine of Christ. It would be better for the family not to entertain in their house any who had committed themselves to these doctrines of development (
2John 1:4-11).
(2a.) (4)I rejoiced . . .--Comp.Romans 1:8;1Corinthians 1:4;2Corinthians 1:3;Ephesians 1:3;Philippians 1:3;Colossians 1:3. . . .
Verse 4. -
I rejoice greatly that I have found (certain) of thy children walking in truth. The Revised Version is certainly right in rendering
εὕρηκα "I
have found" rather than "I found;" and it is probably right in rendering
ἐχάρην "I rejoice" rather than "I rejoiced." It looks like the idiomatic "epistolary aorist," of which we have had probable instances in
1 John 2:21 and 26. In this idiom the point of view of the
recipient of the letter is taken instead of that of the writer. In Latin the imperfect is used in a similar way -
scribebam, dabamus; and sometimes the perfect,
scripsi, misi, and the like (comp.
Acts 23:30;
Philippians 2:25, 28;
Philemon 1:11, 19, 21. See Moulton's Winer, page 347). We are probably to understand this verse as a gentle intimation on the part of the elder that he has reason to know that certain others of her children are
not walking in truth. Through the elect lady's too indiscriminate hospitality, some of her children have been seduced by the deceivers who have come to her bringing other doctrine than that of Christ.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I was overjoyedἘχάρην(Echarēn)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 5463:A primary verb; to be 'cheer'ful, i.e. Calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation, be well.toὅτι(hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.findεὕρηκα(heurēka)Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.[some] ofἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.childrenτέκνων(teknōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043:A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.walkingπεριπατοῦντας(peripatountas)Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4043:From peri and pateo; to tread all around, i.e. Walk at large; figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the] truth,ἀληθείᾳ(alētheia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 225:From alethes; truth.just asκαθὼς(kathōs)Adverb
Strong's 2531:According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.FatherΠατρός(Patros)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962:Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.has commandedἐντολὴν(entolēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1785:An ordinance, injunction, command, law. From entellomai; injunction, i.e. An authoritative prescription.[us].ἐλάβομεν(elabomen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.
Links
2 John 1:4 NIV2 John 1:4 NLT2 John 1:4 ESV2 John 1:4 NASB2 John 1:4 KJV
2 John 1:4 BibleApps.com2 John 1:4 Biblia Paralela2 John 1:4 Chinese Bible2 John 1:4 French Bible2 John 1:4 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 2 John 1:4 I rejoice greatly that I have found (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo) 
