2 John

2 John: A Letter About Love and Truth

Imagine receiving a postcard from a friend while you’re away on a trip. It’s short and sweet, but it reminds you of how much they care. The book of 2 John is like a postcard from the Apostle John, a close friend of Jesus. It’s one of the shortest books in the Bible, but it packs a powerful message about love, truth, and staying strong in our faith.

Who Wrote It?

The Apostle John, the same person who wrote the Gospel of John and the book of 1 John. He was known as the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Who Was It Written To?

A woman known as the “elect lady” and her children. It’s unclear whether this is a real person or a symbolic way to address a church.

What’s It About?

• Walking in Truth: John emphasises the importance of living according to the truth, which means believing in Jesus and following his teachings.
• Loving One Another: John reminds us that genuine love for God is shown through loving others.
• Warning Against False Teachers: John warns against those who twist the truth about Jesus and encourages believers to stay away from them.

Why Should You Care?

Even though it was written long ago, 2 John is still relevant today. It reminds us to:

• Stay grounded in the truth of God’s Word.
• Show love to others, especially fellow believers.
• Be on guard against false teachings that can lead us astray.

Questions for Reflection

1. What does it mean to “walk in truth” according to John?
2. How can you show love to others in your everyday life?
3. Why is it important to be aware of false teachings?
4. What are some ways you can protect yourself from being misled by false teachers?
5. How can you apply the message of 2 John to your own life as a young person?

By reflecting on these questions and applying the teachings of 2 John, you can grow in your faith and live a life that honours God.

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During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by travelling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice, 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting travelling teachers.

This epistle is like an abridgement of the first; it touches, in few words, on the same points. The Elect Lady is commended for her virtuous and religious education of her children; is exhorted to abide in the doctrine of Christ, to persevere in the truth, and carefully to avoid the delusions of false teachers. But chiefly the apostle beseeches her to practice the great commandment of Christian love and charity.

Matthew Henry