Introduction to 2nd John
Context
The doctrines of Doceticm and Gnosticism had made inroads among the followers of Jesus in the latter half of the First Century. Some said that Jesus never assumed human flesh, but only had the appearance of flesh, because they were scandalized that Divinity would soil itself by associating so closely with matter. Others said that Christ was raised as a spirit only, and did not experience a bodily resurrection. In this epistle John condemns such doctrines in no uncertain terms with the statement that such persons were antichrist.
Chapter 1
The letter begins with a salutation. “The elder” greets “the lady chosen by God” and her children. And he offers a blessing, saying, “All who know the truth love them because of the truth, which lives in them and will be with them forever. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.”
He then discusses the issue of maintaining the truth in love. First, he discusses practicing the truth, saying, “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. Dear lady, I am not writing you a new command. From the beginning, he said to love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.”
Second, he discusses protecting the truth. He says to guard against doubt and defeat. He says, “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. They are the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”
He also says to guard against defection and defectors, saying, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
He then offers his final Greetings, saying, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.”
He then discusses the issue of maintaining the truth in love. First, he discusses practicing the truth, saying, “It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. Dear lady, I am not writing you a new command. From the beginning, he said to love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.”
Second, he discusses protecting the truth. He says to guard against doubt and defeat. He says, “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. They are the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.”
He also says to guard against defection and defectors, saying, “Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
He then offers his final Greetings, saying, “I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.”
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