John
This epistle, and also the following, are not general, (although they are put among the general ones), but written to particular persons, as appears by the superscriptions. In former times it was doubted about these by some, whether they were indeed written by the apostle John, see Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. lib. 3, cap. 22, but unjustly, seeing the style and content altogether agree with the first epistle of John. 1 After the superscription and the salutation he exhorts an honorable believing matron, and her children, 5 Unto steadfastness in love, and following of the commandments of God, 7 And warns them of deceivers, 8 Exhorting them to take heed of the same, that she be not deceived, 10 And for this cause that she holds no communion with them, that she be not partakers of their sins. 12 Concludes finally with a declaration why he does not write more extensively to them, because he hoped to come to her himself; 13 And salutes this matron in the name of her sisters’ children.