Second John is the second shortest book in the New Testament. It is only 245 words in the original Greek text, and it would easily fit on a single piece of papyrus. I t is an excellent example of persuasive discourse.

John is still dealing with the same problems, that he was talking about in First John, the problem of false teachers. In this letter The apostle is concerned with the traveling false teachers, who are seeking to make converts in the different churches, that are under John’s authority.

The ‘Elect lady” most likely a reference to the local church.

Quoting 2 John verse 1, 2 and 3 from the Message Bible.

“My dear congregation, I, your pastor {John}, love you in very truth, and I’m not alone – everyone who knows the TRUTH that has taken up permanent residence in us loves you. Let Grace, Mercy. and Peace be with us in TRUTH, and Love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the father.”

The word “TRUTH” is found five times is this short letter of thirteen verses. It is the key word. Love also occurs five times. TRUTH AND LOVE are inseparable.

John warns his readers, “watch yourselves”, which means ‘watch out’ John states the purpose of this vigilance both positively and negatively to avoid losing ‘what we have worked for out of love and to receive a full reward for our faith service through our responsive love.

God Bless

O F J