Second John

The Book of 2 John

Brief Summary. John refers to himself as "the elder," and many believe this is because he was the only apostle still alive. He addresses his letter to "the elect lady" which is unclear who this person is, or whether it is addressing the whole church. One thing clear is that John is emphasizing the word "truth" and encourages believers to know the truth, that the truth dwells within the believer, that the truth is found in the true teachings of Christ, and that He is the incarnate Son of God, and following him means walking in His commandments which are the truth, and the main commandment is to love one another. He also warns believers to be on their guard against false teachers who would deny the truth.

Latin: lohannis II

Greek: Ioannou b, Second (letter) of John

Author: John the disciple whom Jesus loved.

Date: 80-90

Place: Ephesus

Writing to: A church near Ephesus.

Doctrinal Classification: Soteriology

General Theme: Warning about false teaching

Important Points: Cautions Against False Teachers. Praise for walking in Christ and a reminder to walk in God�s love.

Smith's Bible Dictionary: Second John

Unger's Bible Dictionary: Second John

Read the Book of 2 John
Study the Book of 2 John
Summary of the Book of 2 John
Bible Books and Resource Links

2 John. "HERE we find a canonical epistle inscribed, principally, not only to a single person, but to one also of the softer sex. And why not to one of that sex? In gospel redemption, privilege, and dignity, there is neither male nor female; they are both one in Christ Jesus. Our Lord himself neglected his own repast, to commune with the woman of Samaria, in order to show her the fountain of life; and, when almost expiring upon the cross, he would with his dying lips bequeath his blessed mother to the care of his beloved disciple, and thereby instruct him to respect female disciples for the future. It was to one of the same sex that our Lord chose to appear first after his return from the grave, and to send by her the news of his resurrection to this as well as to the other apostles; and we find afterwards a zealous Priscilla so well acquitting herself in her Christian race, and particularly in some hazardous service towards the apostle Paul, that she is not only often mentioned before her husband, but to her as well as to him, not only the apostle himself, but also all the Gentile churches, were ready to return their thankful acknowledgments. No wonder then that a heroine in the Christian religion, honoured by divine providence, and distinguished by divine grace, should be dignified also by an apostolical epistle." - Matthew Henry (Read More)

Outline of the Book of 2 John (Scriptures and Topics Covered)
Praise for Waking in the Truth - 1:1-4
Praise for Loving One Another - 1:5-6
Warning about False Teachers - 1:7-13

Questions for further study.

Who was the author of the book of Second John?

Why did John refer to himself as "the elder"?

What is a false teacher?

For what should Christians be praised?

When was the book of Second John written?

Where was the book of Second John written?

How can someone walk in God's love?

What is the main commandment?

What language was the book of Second John written in?

Why did John feel the need to write Second John?

What is the main theme of the book of Second John?

How can a Christian know the truth??

What was John's relationship with the city of Ephesus?

2 John Resources

Map of New Testament Israel
Map of the Roman Empire
Map of the New Testament World 
Map of Paul's First Missionary Journey
Map of Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Map of New Testament Cities
Map of the 7 Churches of Revelation (Asia Minor)
Map of the Roman Empire In the Time of Jesus
Map of Asia in Roman Times
Map of New Testament Greece