New Testament

2 John

1 chapter

About this book

Second John is a brief letter, short enough to fit on a single sheet of papyrus, written by a church leader who calls himself the elder. He addresses an elect lady and her children, most likely a local congregation and its members, though some readers take it as a literal woman and her family. He rejoices that some of them are walking in the truth and urges them to keep loving one another, which he says is the command they have had from the beginning. Then he warns about traveling teachers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Believers are told not to welcome such teachers into their fellowship or give them a platform, since doing so would share in their work. Christians have long discussed how to apply this to hospitality today. The letter closes with a hope to visit in person and greetings from a sister church. Truth and love are held together from start to finish.

Author: The elder, traditionally identified with John the apostle; some scholars suggest another leader in the same circle.
Date: Usually placed late in the first century, c. AD 85–95, near the time of 1 John.
Audience: The elect lady and her children, likely a church in Asia Minor.

Themes

Truth and love togetherWalking in obedienceJesus came in the fleshGuarding hospitality wisely

Outline

1:1–1:3Greeting in truth and love
1:4–1:6Walk in the truth and love one another
1:7–1:11Warning about deceivers
1:12–1:13Closing hope and greetings

Key verses

2 John 1:6 2 John 1:7

Chapters of 2 John

12 John 1The elder writes to a chosen lady and her children, whom he loves in the truth, an address that may refer to a local church or to an actual household.

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