2 John 1:4

I rejoiced greatly. The greeting over, the apostle begins his message. Like Paul in his epistles (Rom. 1:8; 1 Cor. 1:4; Phil. 1:3; etc.) and like Christ in His letters to the seven churches (Rev. 2; 3), John begins with pleasant and praiseworthy matters (cf. 3 John 3).

I found. Or, “I have found.” John may have formed his estimate of the faithfulness of the believers either by personal observation or, as in 3 John 3, from the reports of visiting brethren.

Of thy children. Literally, “out of thy children.” This may reflect the possibility that all church members had not proved faithful. It may also be that John had not met or heard reports of all the “children,” and that others were equally faithful.

Walking. Gr. peripateō (see on Eph. 2:2). The word is frequently used in Scripture to describe the daily conduct (cf. Phil. 3:17).

In truth. That is, consistently living under the control of truth, faithfully performing every duty on earth as part of the walk toward the eternal home (see on 1 John 1:7).

As we have received a commandment. Or, “even as we received a commandment.” Although the commandment is not defined, John’s previous writings suggest a reference to the “new commandment” of love (see on 1 John 2:7, 8; 3:23; 4:21).