Second John warns against the same false teaching mentioned in 1 John. This letter, however, was addressed to “the elect lady and her children” (perhaps a local congregation), and focused on Christian hospitality. False teachers were using the kindness of Christians to gain influence within John’s congregations. John’s letter spoke of this danger and warned against opening one’s home to these destroyers of the faith. While the basic themes of 1 John—holding fast to truth, love, and obedience—are evident, there is the additional focus on what Christian hospitality is all about. Only when you find agreement on sound doctrine will you find meaningful fellowship. The letter was probably written by the apostle John in the late first century a.d.

2 John

Greeting

1 ^aThe elder to the elect lady and her children, ^bwhom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who ^cknow ^dthe truth, 2 ^ebecause of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 ^fGrace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4 ^gI rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5And now I ask you, dear lady— ^hnot as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning— ⁱthat we love one another. 6And ^jthis is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just ^kas you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it. 7For ^lmany deceivers ^mhave gone out into the world, ⁿthose who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, ^oso that you may not lose what we ▼

▼Some manuscripts you

have worked for, but ^qmay win a full reward. 9Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, ^rdoes not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching ^shas both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, ^tdo not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11for whoever greets him ^utakes part in his wicked works.

Final Greetings

12 ^vThough I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. ^wInstead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, ^xso that our joy may be complete.

13The children of your elect sister greet you.