The Book of 2 John is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, written by the Apostle John, likely around AD 85-95. This brief letter is addressed to “the elect lady and her children,” which is likely a reference to a local church and its members. John writes to emphasize the importance of walking in truth, love, and obedience, while also warning the recipients about false teachers who deny the incarnation of Jesus Christ.
John encourages the church to continue in the truth they have been taught and to love one another as commanded by God. He also warns them not to extend hospitality to those who promote false teachings, as doing so would be to share in their wicked work. The letter highlights the need for discernment in protecting the church from deceptive influences.
Breakdown of the Book of 2 John
- Verses 1-3: Greeting and Blessing
John opens the letter with a warm greeting to “the elect lady and her children,” expressing his love for them in truth. He reminds them that the truth of Christ dwells in them and will be with them forever. John invokes a blessing of grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, emphasizing that these blessings come in truth and love. - Verses 4-6: Exhortation to Walk in Truth and Love
John expresses joy that some members of the church are walking in the truth, just as they were commanded by the Father. He exhorts the entire congregation to continue walking in love, which is demonstrated through obedience to God’s commands. John reminds them of the commandment they have had from the beginning—to love one another—and connects this love with living in obedience to God’s truth. - Verses 7-11: Warning Against False Teachers
John issues a warning about deceivers who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, identifying these individuals as antichrists. He urges the church to watch themselves and not lose what they have worked for. He stresses that anyone who goes beyond the teaching of Christ and does not remain in it does not have God. John instructs the church not to offer hospitality or support to these false teachers, as doing so would be to share in their wicked work. - Verses 12-13: Final Greeting
John concludes the letter by expressing his desire to visit the church in person, rather than writing more in the letter. He extends greetings from “the children of your elect sister,” likely referring to another congregation, reinforcing the connection between the early Christian communities.
Key Topics in the Book of 2 John
- Truth and Love: John emphasizes the inseparable relationship between truth and love. Christians are called to walk in truth, grounded in the teachings of Christ, and to demonstrate their faith through love for one another.
- Obedience to God’s Commands: Love for God is expressed through obedience to His commands, particularly the command to love others. John reminds the church of this foundational Christian principle.
- Warning Against False Teachers: John warns about false teachers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, likely addressing early forms of Gnosticism. He instructs believers not to associate with or support these deceivers in any way.
- Discernment in Hospitality: While hospitality was a key virtue in the early church, John warns against extending hospitality to false teachers, as doing so would be to share in their false teaching and wickedness. This call for discernment is crucial for maintaining the purity of the church.
Related Scholarly Commentary
- I. Howard Marshall, in The Epistles of John (New International Commentary on the New Testament), provides a thorough exploration of the themes in 2 John, focusing on the relationship between truth, love, and the importance of rejecting false teachings.
- Robert W. Yarbrough, in 1-3 John (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament), offers a detailed examination of the theological and ethical dimensions of 2 John, especially the practical implications of walking in truth and love.
- Colin G. Kruse, in The Letters of John (The Pillar New Testament Commentary), explores the context and content of 2 John, emphasizing the apostle’s concern for truth, love, and the protection of the church from false doctrines.
Conclusion
The Book of 2 John, though brief, delivers an important message about walking in truth, love, and obedience to God’s commands. John calls believers to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and to exercise discernment in their relationships, especially when dealing with false teachers who deny the incarnation of Jesus. By combining a focus on love with a firm commitment to truth, John provides a balanced approach to Christian living. His warning against false teachers serves as a reminder to protect the church from deceptive influences while continuing to love and support one another in the truth of the Gospel.