2 John 1
About 2 JohnWritten by AI
Second John is one of the shortest books in the Bible, short enough to fit on a single sheet of papyrus. The writer calls himself the elder, and tradition identifies him as the apostle John, though some think it was another leader named John. It was likely written late in the first century, around the same time as 1 John.
It is addressed to the chosen lady and her children. Most read this as a way of naming a local church and its members, though some think it was a real woman and her family.
The letter echoes 1 John in miniature: walk in truth, love one another, and do not welcome traveling teachers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Watch how truth and love are held together, neither one allowed to stand alone.
Before you read 2 John 1Written by AI
The elder rejoices that some of the lady's children are walking in the truth, and reminds her of the command heard from the beginning: love one another, which means walking in obedience. Many deceivers deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, so do not welcome or support them. He has much more to say but hopes to visit and talk face to face.
A Greeting from the Elder
The elder,
To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth— because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.
Walking in the Truth
I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us. And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
Beware of Deceivers
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
Conclusion
I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
The children of your elect sister send you greetings.