2 John is a brief but direct letter emphasizing truth, love, and discernment. Written to a Christian community facing deceptive teachers, John warns them to remain faithful to the teachings of Christ and to avoid supporting individuals who distort the gospel. Though short, the letter carries a strong pastoral tone, blending encouragement with clear boundaries.
Background
Author: The Apostle John
Audience: “The elect lady and her children”—likely a local church and its members
Date: AD 85–95
Location Written: Traditionally believed to be Ephesus
Context: False teachers were traveling from church to church denying that Jesus had come in the flesh. John writes to reinforce the importance of walking in truth and love, while also instructing believers to reject and not support those spreading deceptive doctrine.
Characters
- John — The apostle and author; offers pastoral guidance and a warning against false teachers
- The Elect Lady — Likely symbolic for a local church or its leader
- Her Children — Members of that church
- Deceivers — False teachers who denied the incarnation of Christ
Major Events
- John expresses joy that believers are walking in the truth (verses 1–4)
- Reminder of the command to love one another (verses 5–6)
- Warning about deceivers who deny Christ’s incarnation (verse 7)
- Instruction not to welcome or support false teachers (verses 10–11)
- John expresses desire for an in person visit and sends final greetings (verses 12–13)
Application & Life Lessons
- Truth and love must operate together in the Christian life
- Love does not mean tolerating falsehood or abandoning biblical boundaries
- Guarding doctrine protects the church from deception
- Supporting false teachers—financially or logistically—makes us participants in their error
- Personal presence and fellowship matter deeply, even in short communications
Bible Study Videos
Video by the Bible Project providing an overview of 1-3 John
Sermons & Teachings
Sermon by Skip Heitzig offering a brief overview of 2 & 3 John and Jude
Podcasts
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Articles
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Books
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Disclosures & Notices
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