New Testament Survey: The Book of 2 John “THE ELDER, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth.” (1:1)

Background Internal evidence supports the belief that John was the author. He refers to himself as “the Elder;” (primary sense is of one who is aged, or older). The false philosophy of Gnosticism is still the major problem. truth, false teachers, false doctrine,faithful brethren This book has more to do with the practical side of the right attitude to take toward truth, false teachers, false doctrine, and faithful brethren.

John was still writing to Christians in Asia Minor where Gnostic teaching had taken deep roots. Some suggest a particular sister and her children—support is divided among the scholars. 13 verses in 2 John, 8 Of the 13 verses in 2 John, 8 are found, in substance, in 1 John. Dates suggested are A.D. Background

Keys to 2 John Key words – Truth and love Key phrase – “the doctrine of Christ” Key message – Know the truth Key verses – 1:9 “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”

Purpose and Content John expresses joy that many of “his children” are walking in truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) He had great reason to rejoice when so many were being led away. (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12) – “I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.” (1:4)

John exhorts them to walk in love. To do so, they must love the truth. – “And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” (1:5,6) Purpose and Content

John warns that many false teachers love only themselves—and that they must be withstood and avoided! – “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.” (1:7,8) Purpose and Content

The truth must be limited to the doctrine of Christ —the teaching emanating from Him! To go beyond is to forfeit one’s fellowship with the Father and Son! – “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” (1:9) Purpose and Content

Adherence to the truth revealed by Christ meant rejecting and refusing to fellowship those who taught any other doctrine! – “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (1:10,11) Purpose and Content

John closes this short epistle with the hope he might again see them face to face to further encourage them. – “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.” (1:12,13) Purpose and Content