We have been studying our way through the Epistles of John, and making some observations of difficult verses in the bulletin as we go along. Last Sunday we studied 2 John 8, which reads, "Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward" (NKJV).
"Look to yourselves" is a practical admonition that is found several times in the New Testament. The difficulty lies in the rest of the verse. Part of what makes the verse difficult is that it is translated different ways. For instance, the New American Standard Bible renders the verse, "Watch yourselves, that you might not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward" (emphasis mine - HR). Which rendering is correct? Is John going to lose his full reward, or are the recipients of the letter going to lose out? Another difficulty is what to do with the "full reward" of which John speaks. The impression can be left that a failure on the part of the recipients to look to or watch themselves will result in receiving only a partial reward. While some commentators insist there are levels of reward in Heaven, I have yet to find such an idea clearly taught in the Bible.
I believe the passage is best understood by taking the rendering found in the KJV and the NKJV - "that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward" - and understand the "we" statements in this verse to refer to John and the other apostles and evangelists who labored in bringing the gospel to these Christians.
The recipients of this letter had become Christians because of the efforts of John and other evangelists. If these Christians left the truth to follow error, then John would lose the things he had worked for. Paul made similar statements in his letters. "I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain" (Gal. 4:11). "For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain" (1 Thess. 3:5).
The "full reward" of John would be for these Christians to be found faithful in the Day of Judgment. Paul said of the Thessalonians, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?" (1 Thess. 2:19). Consider also Paul's words in First Corinthians chapter three:
- Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
- each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is.
- If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
- If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Paul was talking about the efforts put forth by the apostles and evangelists in spreading the gospel and establishing local churches. Some of these efforts will be fruitful and lasting - they will endure. Other efforts will not endure. Either way, the evangelist proved himself to be faithful in his efforts, and he will be saved, but the fruits of his efforts (the souls of those with whom he worked) may not stand in the Day of Judgment.
The full reward for an evangelist would be that he save both himself and those who hear him (1 Tim. 4:16). If these Christians forsake the truth of the gospel and follow error, John will not receive a "full reward" for his labors. Those who forsake the truth will not receive any reward - partial or full.