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About this book: 2 John

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. 1:1–1:3Greeting in truth and love
  2. 1:4–1:6Walk in the truth and love one another
  3. 1:7–1:11Warning about deceivers
  4. 1:12–1:13Closing hope and greetings

Key verses

2 John 1:6 →2 John 1:7 →
About this chapterThe 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. He rejoices that some of her children are walking in the truth and reminds them of the old command that they love one another, which means living by God's commands. Many deceivers have gone out who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, and believers must watch themselves so that they do not lose what they have worked for. Anyone who goes beyond the teaching of Christ does not have God. Believers are not to welcome or support those who bring a different teaching. John hopes to visit in person, and sends greetings from the children of her chosen sister.

The 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. He rejoices that some of her children are walking in the truth and reminds them of the old command that they love one another, which means living by God's commands. Many deceivers have gone out who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, and believers must watch themselves so that they do not lose what they have worked for. Anyone who goes beyond the teaching of Christ does not have God. Believers are not to welcome or support those who bring a different teaching. John hopes to visit in person, and sends greetings from the children of her chosen sister.

Themes

  • Walking in truth
  • Love one another
  • Guarding the teaching

Key verses

Audio Bible · 2 John 1

Listen while you go about your day.

2 John 1

Berean Standard Bible13 verses · 1 min read

1The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth— 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love. 4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. 5And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love. 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. 9Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. 11Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds. 12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13The children of your elect sister send you greetings.
Verses in 2 John 1
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Chapters of 2 John

All books
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