2 John, the sixty-third book of the Bible, is a brief letter stressing the inseparability of truth and love. Written by "the elder" to "the elect lady and her children," it commends walking in obedience to God's commands while warning against false teachers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.
The letter exhorts believers to abide in Christ's teaching, love one another, and refuse hospitality to deceivers who threaten the community's integrity.
Chapters of 2 John
What is 2 John about?
The elder greets the elect lady and her children, rejoicing in their faithfulness to the truth. He reminds them that love means walking according to God's commandments, especially the command to love one another.
But deceivers have gone out, denying the incarnation. Anyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Believers must not receive or welcome such teachers, lest they participate in their wicked work.
The letter ends with a desire to visit face-to-face and greetings from the children of the elect sister.
Who wrote 2 John?
Traditionally attributed to John the apostle, identifying himself as "the elder."
What's 2 John's meaning and significance?
2 John teaches that truth and love must remain united. Faithful discipleship requires both obedience to Christ's teaching and discernment against error. Christian love is never tolerance of deception but devotion to truth in fellowship.
Is 2 John an important book?
The letter is significant for its theology of incarnation, truth, love, discernment, hospitality, and fellowship. It shows the early church's vigilance against false teaching and the boundaries of genuine Christian community.
When was 2 John written?
Likely written AD 85–95, near the end of the first century.
What are the main sections of 2 John?
2 John moves from greeting in truth and love, to warning against deceivers, to closing hope for personal fellowship.
The main sections of 2 John are:
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Greeting and joy in truth 2 John 1:1–4The elder greets the elect lady and children, rejoicing in their faithfulness to truth.
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Command to love and walk in obedience 2 John 1:5–6Love is defined as walking according to God's commandments.
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Warning against deceivers 2 John 1:7–11Many deceivers deny Christ's incarnation; do not receive them into your house.
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Closing and personal hope 2 John 1:12–13Desire for face-to-face fellowship; greetings from the elect sister's children.
Key Elements of 2 John
Understanding the main themes, important people, significant places, and key concepts in 2 John helps us grasp its message and apply it to our lives today.
Key Themes
Key Concepts
Key People
Key Places
Chapters of 2 John
Select a chapter to read and study: