Summary
Walking in truth, and guarding love from error.
by Dr. David Silver1 min read
Read the Summaryby Dr. David Silver1 min read
2 John is an epistle written by the apostle John in the 90’s A.D. John is warning this local church against itinerant false teachers and letting them know of his plans to visit them soon. 2 John and 3 John are the shortest letters in the NT. Both are in the standard format of an ancient letter. 2 John shares many similarities to 1 John in style and content.
John emphasizes truth and love as essential qualities for the believer. The truth unites them in love. John loves them in the truth (verse 1). Also, the word ‘command’ is intertwined with both terms since to love is to obey his commands, and his command is to walk in love (verse 6). John has joy over believers he met from this church who are walking in the truth (verse 4).
John warns of the false teachers that they are deceivers and antichrists since they do not believe Jesus came in the flesh (verse 7). This church is to ‘watch out’ that they do not lose what they have worked for (verse 8). The church is to avoid running ahead without Christ and the true knowledge of God (verse 9). These false teachers were not to be supported or welcomed (or given standard hospitality) since they were teaching against fundamental doctrines of the faith (verse 10-11).
John is looking forward to seeing this church in person to complete their common joy. He ends with greetings from a sister church.
Structure
Verses 1–3
The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom he loves in the truth — grace, mercy and peace in truth and love.
Verses 4–6
Joy at finding some walking in the truth, and the command that is not new: that we love one another, and that love means walking in obedience.
Verses 7–11
Many deceivers deny that Jesus came in the flesh; watch out that you do not lose what you worked for, and do not take such teachers into your house.
Verses 12–13
Much more to say, but not with pen and ink — John hopes to come and speak face to face.
Key Themes
01
The word appears five times in the first four verses.
02
Inseparable from obedience; love is walking in His commands.
03
Hospitality is good, and not owed to those undermining the faith.
04
Denying that Jesus came in the flesh is the mark of a deceiver.
05
Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for.
The Challenge We Face
The letter turns on one confession: Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Anyone who will not say it, John writes, is a deceiver and an antichrist.
It is a short letter with a sharp point — the person of Christ is not a secondary matter on which a church can be relaxed.
Apply Scripture
Truth and love belong together; neither survives long without the other.
Love is defined by obedience, not by sentiment.
Being welcoming does not mean being undiscerning.
Who Jesus is remains the dividing line.
Some things are better said face to face.
Study guides
You've seen the big picture. Now explore the book verse by verse with our practical Bible Study Guide.
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