Truth, love, and walking
2 John 1:1–6FocusA shared commandment
Connection to the wholeThe greeting and appeal connect the recipients' walk in truth with love expressed in obedience.
interpretation 2 John 1:12
KJVHaving many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
Read it in context
The planned visit
Start reading at 2 John 1:12 (2 John 1:12 to 2 John 1:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The closing words show that the written warning serves, rather than replaces, the writer's intended personal care.
- 1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
- 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John is the traditional author; the letter's writer identifies himself as the elder. The precise identification with John the apostle is traditional rather than explicitly named in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 John 1:1. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 John 1:1–1:13): The elder addresses the elect lady and her children about truth, love, and deceiving teachers. Whether this identifies a household or represents a church is uncertain. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect lady and her children. This may mean a Christian woman and her household or figuratively a local church and its members; the identification is not certain. Biblical references: 2 John 1:1; 2 John 1:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The planned visit. Read 2 John 1:12 through 2 John 1:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The closing words show that the written warning serves, rather than replaces, the writer's intended personal care. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The short letter addresses a present concern about deceivers and an intended visit. It does not give a date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The elect lady and her children are addressed without a named city. Whether the address also represents a congregation is an interpretive question. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The planned visit (2 John 1:12 to 2 John 1:13). Start reading at 2 John 1:12. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The confession of Jesus Christ come in the flesh and abiding in the doctrine of Christ govern the warning. See 2 John 1:7, 2 John 1:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join love with walking according to the commandments and discernment about teaching. Apply the hospitality warning in relation to the teaching and support under discussion. interpretation
Cited: 2 John 1:12, 2 John 1:13, 2 John 1:7, 2 John 1:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe writer identifies himself only as the elder.
2 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle.
What is debatedThe title elder is not a personal name.
Related passages
- many John 16:12
- I would 3 John 1:13
- I trust Rom 15:24 1 Cor 16:5-7 Phlm 1:22 Heb 13:19,23
- face to face Num 12:8
- that John 15:11 John 16:24 John 17:13 2 Tim 1:4 1 John 1:4
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 John 1
The writer calls himself the elder and addresses the elect lady and her children. The outline retains that wording without deciding whether the address is to a household or represents a congregation; truth, love, and refusal of deceiving teaching govern the appeal.
2 John 1:1 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:7
The danger of deceiving teachers
2 John 1:7–11FocusRemain in the doctrine of Christ
Connection to the wholeThe warning calls for vigilance and forbids participation in the work of teachers who do not bring the doctrine described.
interpretation FocusJoy in personal fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe closing words show that the written warning serves, rather than replaces, the writer's intended personal care.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 John
The writer calls himself the elder and addresses the elect lady and her children. The outline retains that wording without deciding whether the address is to a household or represents a congregation; truth, love, and refusal of deceiving teaching govern the appeal.
2 John 1:1 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:7
Greeting in truth and love
2 John 1:1–3FocusShared confidence
Connection to the wholeThe greeting places the relationship within truth and love before the letter calls for conduct consistent with both.
interpretation Walk in the commandment
2 John 1:4–6FocusLove expressed through obedience
Connection to the wholeThe writer rejoices in children walking in truth and presents love as walking according to God's commandments.
interpretation Beware of deceivers
2 John 1:7–11FocusAbiding in Christ's doctrine
Connection to the wholeThe warning joins vigilance with limits on receiving teachers whose message denies Jesus Christ come in the flesh.
interpretation FocusJoy and fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe closing preference for face-to-face conversation places the concise written warning within an ongoing relationship.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.