2 John

Chapter 1

The Chosen Lady

1 The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,

2 for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ [“Christ” means “Anointed One”.], the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.

5 Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

The Deceiver and the Antichrist

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.

8 Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

10 If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him,

11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.

Last Greetings

12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face-to-face, that our joy may be full.

13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.

2 John Overview

The Book of 2 John is a short letter found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is written by the Apostle John and is addressed to the "elect lady" and her children. While the identity of the recipients is not explicitly mentioned, it is widely interpreted as a symbolic reference to a local church and its members.

The letter begins with John expressing his love and rejoicing over the recipients' commitment to the truth. He emphasizes the importance of walking in love and obedience, which are inseparable from the truth. John encourages the readers to continue living according to God's commandments, reinforcing the idea that love for God and love for one another are deeply intertwined.

The central theme of 2 John is the importance of discernment in the face of false teachers and teachings. John warns the recipients about deceivers who deny the deity of Jesus Christ and downplay His incarnation. He urges the church to exercise caution and not to welcome such false teachers into their fellowship or offer them any support. John emphasizes the need for doctrinal purity and encourages the church to stand firm in the truth.

In light of the danger posed by these false teachers, John advises the recipients to remain diligent and not to lose the rewards they have gained by supporting and adhering to the truth. He encourages them to hold fast to the teachings they have received and not to be led astray by any new or contrary doctrines.

The letter concludes with a reminder that a false teacher should not be welcomed or given any platform within the church. John assures the recipients that he has more to say to them, but he prefers to do so in person rather than through writing. He sends greetings from others and concludes with a farewell.

The Book of 2 John serves as a call to discernment and faithfulness in the face of false teachings. It emphasizes the importance of doctrinal purity and holding fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. The letter also underscores the inseparable connection between love and obedience to God's commandments. While it is one of the shortest books in the Bible, its message carries significant weight and serves as a timely reminder for believers to remain steadfast in the truth.