The Second Letter of John

The Second Letter of John is a very short and precise letter addressed to an individual community that is described as the chosen lady and her children. It emphasizes the central importance of walking in the truth and the commandment of love that we have had from the very beginning. We see a clear warning against deceivers who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh and who lead people away from the teaching of the Lord. This letter reminds us that true love is inseparable from the truth of the Gospel.

The text highlights the need for a spirit of discernment and the importance of not providing a platform for those who bring a different and false doctrine. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith so that we do not lose what we have worked for but may receive a full reward. John expresses his desire to visit in person so that their joy may be full and complete within the community. The Second Letter of John invites us to a commitment to the truth that is both firm in its convictions and warm in its expression of Christian love.

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Chapters

Chapter 1

¹The Elder to the Elect Lady, and those born of her, whom I love in the truth: and not I alone, but also all those who have known the truth, ? ²because the truth which dwells in us shall be with us for eternity. ? ³May grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus, the Son of the Father, in truth and in love. ? ⁴I was very glad because I discovered some of your sons walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father. ? ⁵And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. ? ⁶And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. For this is the commandment that you have heard in the same way from the beginning, and in which you should walk. ? ⁷For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh. Such a one as this is a deceiver and an antichrist. ? ⁸Be cautious for yourselves, lest you lose what you have accomplished, and so that, instead, you may receive a full reward. ? ⁹Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son. ? ¹⁰If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not be willing to receive him into the house, and do not speak a greeting to him. ? ¹¹For whoever speaks a greeting to him, is speaking with his evil works. ? ¹²I have much more to write to you, but I am not willing to do so through paper and ink. For I hope that I may be with you in the future, and that I may speak face to face, so that your joy may be full. ? ¹³The sons of your Elect Sister greet you. ?