2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading, “whosoever goeth before,” that is, whoever tries to go ahead of Christ’s teaching, as the Gnostics (see pp. 625, 626) did. The phraseology is strongly reminiscent of John’s first epistle (cf. on 1 John 3:6).

Abideth not. The Greek construction shows that these words qualify “whosoever transgresseth,” that is, whosoever goes ahead. There is nothing wrong in going ahead so long as one remains within the framework of the Saviour’s own doctrine. But he who tries to go where Christ has not led, places himself outside Christ’s domain, and thus remains not in the doctrine given by Jesus.

Doctrine. Or, “teaching” (see on John 7:16). While “the teaching of Christ” may be taken as teaching about Christ, the context clearly favors a reference to the teaching given by Christ. The expression covers the doctrine personally delivered by the Master and its continuation in the preaching of the apostles. The “deceivers” were not willing to limit themselves to such teachings, but were bent on adding other points of their own, thus going beyond what the Saviour Himself had taught.

Hath not God. This phrase is reminiscent of the first epistle (cf. 1 John 5:12). Since the Son and the Father are one (John 10:30), he who rejects Christ’s teaching also rejects the Father’s, and shows that he is trying to outreach God; he is not content with the height and depth of spiritual knowledge God has placed at man’s disposal, but wants to probe into other realms that can only contain falsehood.

Abideth. Gr. menō (see on 1 John 2:6). To remain and make one’s home in the doctrine that Christ taught and believed, instead of straying into the realms of philosophical speculation or following the deceptive gleams of satanic delusions, is the only way to ensure a saving relationship with the Father.

Hath both. In developing a positive statement from a negative, John, as his custom is (cf. 1 John 1:6, 7; 2:21; etc.), has enriched his thought. He who wanders outside of truth loses the Father; he who remains has the Father—and also the Son through whom all truth is revealed (1 John 2:23).