New Testament · General Epistle · Book 63 of 66
Book of 2 John
A brief letter on truth and love: walk in obedience to Christ’s command, and be careful whom you welcome and what teaching you support.
1 Chapter
13 verses
Author
“The elder” (traditionally John)
Written
c. A.D. 85 – 95
Written To
“The chosen lady and her children”
Overview
Book of 2 John Summary
Second John is one of the shortest books of the Bible, brief enough to fit on a single sheet of papyrus. The writer calls himself “the elder” and writes to “the chosen lady and her children” (v. 1), and the letter is built around two words that appear again and again: truth and love.
The elder begins by saying how glad he is to find some of her children walking in the truth. He reminds them of the command they have had from the beginning, that they love one another, and he says that love means walking in obedience to God’s commands (vv. 5–6).
Then he gives a warning. Many deceivers have gone out into the world who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh (v. 7). Readers are to watch out, hold to the teaching of Christ, and not welcome into their homes or support those who teach otherwise (vv. 8–11). The letter closes with the hope of a visit and greetings from the children of the writer’s “chosen sister” (v. 13).
About the Name
Title
The traditional Greek title is Ioannou B, “Of John, second.” It is the second of three letters bearing John’s name, and one of the General Epistles.
The letter is addressed to “the chosen lady and her children” (v. 1). Some think this means a particular woman and her family. Others take it as a figure for a local church and its members, especially because the letter ends with greetings from “the children of your chosen sister” (v. 13), which would then be a sister congregation.
Who Wrote It
Author Details
The writer calls himself only “the elder” (v. 1), a title that suggests age and authority in the church. Church tradition identifies him with John the apostle, the same person who wrote 1 John and the Gospel of John. The three letters share many words and themes, including truth, love, walking, “from the beginning” and the denial that Jesus has come in the flesh.
When It Was Written
Date of Writing
Second John is usually dated to about A.D. 85–95, around the same time as 1 John, and is thought to have been written from Ephesus. The letter does not name the place of writing.
It reflects the same concern as 1 John, that false teachers were traveling from church to church, and that believers were depending on the hospitality of local Christians (vv. 10–11).
Study Guide
2 John Outline
13 verses in four parts. Tap any section to expand it, and tap a verse reference to read it at BibleGateway.
Part I
Greeting
vv. 1–3 · Truth and love
Part II
Walk in Truth and Love
vv. 4–6 · The command from the beginning
Part III
Beware of Deceivers
vv. 7–11 · Hold to the teaching of Christ
Part IV
Closing
vv. 12–13 · Joy to be made complete
Continue Your Study
Verse references link to the NIV at BibleGateway.