2 John
General Letters · New Testament · Book 63 of 66- Author
- John, writing as the elder
- Written
- c. AD 85–90
- Time covered
- A short note on hospitality and truth
- Where
- Ephesus
- Written to
- The elect lady and her children — probably a church and its members
- Genre
- Personal letter
- Chapters
- 1
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”2 John 1:6 KJV
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Overview
Thirteen verses, written on a single sheet. John rejoices that some are walking in truth, repeats the old commandment to love one another, and then gives a hard instruction about traveling teachers.
Anyone who does not bring the doctrine of Christ is not to be received into the house or greeted — which in a day when itinerant teachers depended on hospitality meant refusing to fund the spread of a lie.
Background
Churches met in homes, and traveling preachers were housed and supplied by the congregations they visited. Hospitality was the church’s infrastructure.
The same deniers of the incarnation from the first letter are on the road. Welcoming them was not neutral; it was partnership.
Key themes
- Truth and love belong together and neither may be traded for the other.
- Walking in truth is the highest thing that can be said of a congregation.
- Hospitality is a form of support, and support is a form of agreement.
- The doctrine of Christ is the dividing line.
- Some things are better said face to face than written with ink and paper.
Outline
- GreetingVerses 1-3
The elder to the elect lady, in truth and love.
- Walking in truthVerses 4-6
Joy at her children, and the commandment we had from the beginning.
- DeceiversVerses 7-11
Many who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh — receive them not.
- FarewellVerses 12-13
Much to write, but hoping to come and speak face to face.
Key passages
- 2 John 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth.
- 2 John 1:6 This is love, that we walk after his commandments.
- 2 John 1:7 Many deceivers are entered into the world.
- 2 John 1:9 Whosoever abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.
- 2 John 1:12 I would not write with paper and ink — I trust to come unto you.
Christ in 2 John
The test John applies is simply whether a teacher confesses Jesus Christ come in the flesh. Everything else about a message can sound right; if it is wrong there, the messenger is not to be helped on his way.
Reading it
- Read it with 1 John and 3 John; the three belong together.
- Ask what it means today to support a teacher — the principle has not changed.
- Notice how gently the hard instruction is framed.