About the Author
Second John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, written around AD 85 to 95, likely from Ephesus during his later years of ministry over the churches in Asia Minor. Some modern scholars have debated whether “the elder” mentioned in the letter’s opening (2 John 1) refers to John the Apostle or another early church leader by the same name, but strong early church tradition consistently affirms Johannine authorship, closely linking this letter to the same author of the Gospel of John, 1 John, and 3 John.
John was the son of Zebedee and brother of James, called by Jesus from his work as a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:21 to 22). He was part of Jesus’ inner circle, witnessing pivotal moments such as the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1 to 2) and Christ’s agony in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36 to 37).
Referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23), John shared an especially close bond with Christ. He stood at the foot of the cross, where Jesus entrusted him with the care of Mary (John 19:26 to 27), and he was among the first witnesses of the empty tomb (John 20:2 to 8).
Following Pentecost, John became a respected leader in the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:9). By the time of writing this letter, John was likely elderly, referring to himself simply as “the elder,” a title reflecting both his advanced age and his recognized spiritual authority over the churches he oversaw, likely centered in and around Ephesus.
Second John was written to “the chosen lady and her children” (2 John 1), likely referring either to a specific woman and her family or, more probably, to a local church and its members using a symbolic expression common in that era. The letter addresses the growing threat of traveling false teachers who denied the true nature of Christ’s incarnation, similar to the concerns raised in 1 John (2 John 7).
John wrote to warn believers not to offer hospitality or support to these false teachers, as doing so would make them complicit in spreading false doctrine (2 John 10 to 11). The letter reflects the practical challenges early churches faced in extending genuine Christian hospitality while still guarding against those who distorted the gospel.
Introduction
In this short letter, John writes to a chosen lady and her children, expressing his joy at finding some of them walking in the truth, according to the commandment received from the Father. He emphasizes the importance of love, reminding his readers that this is not a new commandment but one that has been held from the beginning, calling them to love one another as followers of Christ. John warns against deceivers who have gone out into the world, denying that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, and cautions believers not to welcome or support anyone who does not remain in the teaching of Christ. He closes the letter expressing his hope to visit in person rather than write further, so that their joy may be complete.
Chapter 1 (BBE)
Important Verses
- 2 John 1:4 John expresses joy at finding some of the lady’s children walking in the truth, according to the commandment received from the Father.
- 2 John 1:5 to 6 John reminds believers of the command to love one another, emphasizing that this teaching has been held from the beginning.
- 2 John 1:7 John warns against deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh, identifying this as a mark of false teaching.
- 2 John 1:9 to 10 Believers are cautioned not to welcome or support anyone who does not remain faithful to the teaching of Christ.
- 2 John 1:12 John expresses his desire to visit in person rather than continue in writing, so that their joy may be made complete.
