1:4 {2} I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in {d} truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
(2) This true profession consists both in love towards one another which the Lord has commanded, and also especially in wholesome and sound doctrine, which also is delivered to us: for the commandment of God is a sound and sure foundation both of the rule of conduct and of doctrine, and these cannot be separated from one another,
(d) According as the truth directs them.
1:4 I rejoiced greatly. Because he had found her children walking in the truth, by keeping the commandment of the Father.
A commandment from the Father. The commandment referred to, the one which sums up all, is love.
1:4 I found of thy children - Probably in their aunt's house, 2Jo 1:13. Walking in the truth - In faith and love.
1:4-6 It is good to be trained to early religion; and children may be beloved for their parents' sake. It gave great joy to the apostle to see children treading in their parents' steps, and likely in their turn to support the gospel. May God bless such families more and more, and raise up many to copy their example. How pleasing the contrast to numbers who spread irreligion, infidelity, and vice, among their children! Our walk is true, our converse right, when according to the word of God. This commandment of mutual Christian love, may be said to be a new one, in respect of its being declared by the Lord Christ; yet, as to the matter, it is old. And this is love to our own souls, that we obey the Divine commands. The foresight of the decay of this love, as well as of other apostacies, or fallings away, might engage the apostle to urge this duty, and this command, frequently and earnestly.
