1. 2 John 9-11 (NKJV)
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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

2. Knowing God’s Word
Second & Third John

3. Knowing God’s Word
Last week we took a look at the epistle of I John, written to Christians to warn them of false teachers and teach them
This week we move onto the epistles of Second & Third John
II John is the 24th book in the NT and is the 6th of the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude)

4. Knowing God’s Word
Evidence (internal & external) points to the apostle John as the author of this letter, although it does not bear his name
The style, content, language and themes bear a strong similarity to the Gospel of John
Refers to himself as “The Elder”, likely denoting his age (v. 1)

5. Knowing God’s Word
Early church fathers such as Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria and Dionysius attributed this letter to John
Irenaeus himself would have been an associate of John
This gives ample proof of John’s authorship

6. Knowing God’s Word
This letter is addressed to “the elect lady and her children” (v. 1)
Some say that it is a symbolic reference to the church and it’s members
It is most likely that this statement has a literal meaning and is referring to a specific woman and her children

7. Knowing God’s Word
He most likely wrote this letter from Ephesus somewhere around AD
John here encourages her to continue to love the brethren and to keep God’s commandments (vs. 5-6)
He also warns her of supporting false teachers (vs. 9-11)

8. Knowing God’s Word
Key Verses in II John:
5-6
9-11

9. Knowing God’s Word Outline of II John:
Greeting: The Elder’s Love (1-3)
The Elder’s Joy & Request (4-6)
The Elder’s Concern (7-8)
The Elder’s Warning (9-11)
Closing: The Elder’s Farewell (12-13)

10. Knowing God’s Word
III John is the 25th book in the NT and is the 7th of the General Epistles (Hebrews through Jude)
Evidence (internal & external) points to the apostle John as the author of this letter, although it does not bear his name
Refers to himself as “The Elder”, likely denoting his age (v. 1)

11. Knowing God’s Word
The style, content, language and themes bear a strong similarity to the Gospel of John
Early church father Dionysius of Alexandria attributed this letter to John
This gives ample proof of John’s authorship

12. Knowing God’s Word The letter is addressed to “beloved Gaius” (v. 1)
Gaius was a common Roman name, so this may or may not be the same man as named 4 other times in the NT (Acts 19:29; 20:4; Rom. 16:23; I Cor. 1:14)
He was a dear friend of John and known for his hospitality (vs. 5-8)

13. Knowing God’s Word
This letter was likely written from Ephesus around AD
There are 3 named men who are central to this letter
John speaks of Gaius, Diotrephes and Demetrius, all in differing ways

14. Knowing God’s Word John writes:
To commend & encourage Gaius in his hospitality (vs. 5-8)
To condemn Diotrephes in his rejection of John and others in the church (vs. 9-10)
To commend Demetrius as a good example (v. 12)

15. Knowing God’s Word
Key Verses in III John:
3-4
5-8 11

16. Knowing God’s Word Outline of III John: Greeting With Joy (1-4)
The Confirmation of Gaius (5-8)
The Condemnation of Diotrephes (9-10)
The Commendation of Demetrius (11-12)
Conclusion (13-14)