Background

2 John is a brief letter traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, the same author of 1 John, 3 John, and the Gospel of John. Written in the latter part of the first century, 2 John addresses a “chosen lady and her children,” which scholars generally interpret as a metaphor for a specific Christian congregation and its members. John’s purpose here is to offer guidance on protecting the faith community from deceivers who reject Jesus as fully incarnate in the flesh. This letter complements 1 John by focusing on practical applications of truth and love as central to Christian life.

Key Themes

The two central themes of 2 John are truth and love. John emphasizes the inseparable nature of these two principles, encouraging believers to walk in truth — aligning with the teachings of Christ — and to love one another as a testament to their faith. John’s warning against “deceivers” who deny Jesus’ incarnation also appears here, cautioning the church to uphold sound doctrine and not to offer hospitality or support to those spreading false teachings. These themes highlight the need for discernment in Christian fellowship and faithfulness to the foundational truths of the gospel.

The Message for Today

2 John speaks to today’s church about the importance of holding fast to core beliefs while extending love and hospitality. Its emphasis on walking in truth challenges Christians to be cautious with teachings and philosophies that do not align with the gospel, reminding us that steadfastness to biblical truth is essential in every generation. In our own contexts, this letter offers guidance on how to protect the integrity of the faith while embodying love and respect, even in diverse theological landscapes.

The Different Kingdom Lens

In 2 John, the call to walk in both truth and love reveals the Kingdom’s values of integrity, humility, and discernment. Where worldly values might prioritise open tolerance of ideas, John’s message underscores a kingdom focused on truth as the basis for genuine love and unity. In the Kingdom lens, love without truth becomes sentimentality, and truth without love becomes legalism. 2 John therefore reveals how the Kingdom calls believers to embody both in balance, as a testimony of Christ’s light to the world.