This is addressed to 'the elect lady,' but gives no intimation as to who she was. Some suppose the word κυρία to be a proper name, and read 'To Kyria the elect.' She is warned against countenancing in any way those who brought not true doctrine as to Christ. Love is governed by truth, accompanied with obedience — in a word, Christ. Obedience would prove the apostle's work to be real, and he would receive a full reward. As in the first epistle, 'that which was from the beginning' is enforced, in opposition to any supposed development. It is an important principle that one bidding 'God speed' to a false teacher, is partaker of his evil deeds.