S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Author: The Book of 2 John does not directly name its author. The tradition from the earliest days of the church states that the author was the apostle John. There have been various conjectures ove...

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November 15 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

One of my favorite books that I used as a pastor for 7 years was by Alvy E. Ford. He summarized the book of 2 John this way:

Love is the basis of this letter, too.
Many are liars, but many are true.
He that believes has both Father and Son. 
Help not the Antichrist, that wicked one.

October 03 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the Book of 2 John?

The Book of 2 John is a short New Testament letter, attributed to the Apostle John (or "the elder"), emphasising Christian truth, love, and obedience, warning against false teachers who deny that Jesus came in the flesh, and urging believers to practice discernment and hospitality carefully, welcoming only those who uphold true doctrine. Written around A.D. 85-95, it's addressed to "the elect lady and her children," likely a metaphor for a local Congregation and its members. It advises readers not to support deceivers, lest they become partners in evil. 

Key Themes & Content:

1: Love and Truth: The core message is that walking in love means walking in truth and obeying God's commands.

2: Warning Against False Teachers: John warns against "deceivers" who deny the incarnation (Jesus coming in the flesh) and encourages readers to test their teachings.

3: Discernment: Believers are told not to welcome or even greet false teachers, to avoid sharing in their wicked work.

4: Hospitality with Caution: While advocating for hospitality, John stresses that it should be extended only to those who bring sound doctrine, not heresy.

5: Figurative Language: The "elect lady and her children" likely refers to a specific congregation, possibly meeting in a woman's home, using coded language due to potential persecution. 

Contents of Second John:

After expressing his love in the truth for 'the chosen lady and her children,' John rejoices that he has found some of them walking in the truth, as commanded by the Father. He requests that they show their love for one another by continuing to walk according to God's commandments, for deceivers and antichrists have gone forth into the world, who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. He that pushes ahead beyond the teaching of Christ does not have God, but he that remains in this teaching "has both the Father and the Son.” 

Anyone who does not bring this teaching is not to be received into their homes, nor is he even to be greeted. John has many things to write, but instead he hopes to come and speak with them face-to-face, that their joy may be "in full measure."​—Vss. 9, 12.

It appears that, as in modern times, some in John's day were not content to stay with the plain, simple teachings of Christ. They wanted something more, something that would tickle their ego, something that would exalt them and put them in a class with worldly philosophers. They were willing to contaminate and divide the Christian congregation to gain their selfish ends.

John's second letter underlines the blessedness of Christian oneness.

8 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report