The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
2 John
The Book of 2 John is a brief yet powerful letter that emphasizes the inseparable relationship between truth and love. Written by John the Apostle, the letter addresses a community of believers described as “the elect lady and her children,” likely symbolizing a local church and its members.
John writes to encourage faithfulness amid the threat of false teaching. He affirms the shared truth that binds believers together—a truth rooted in the message of Jesus Christ. Truth is not presented as abstract doctrine, but as a lived reality that shapes conduct, relationships, and obedience.
A central theme of 2 John is walking in truth and love. John reminds believers that love is expressed through obedience to God’s commandments. Love without truth becomes sentimentality, while truth without love becomes harsh. Both are essential to faithful Christian living.
The letter also includes a clear warning. John cautions believers against welcoming or supporting teachers who deny the incarnation of Christ. Hospitality, though virtuous, must be guided by discernment. To endorse false teaching—even unintentionally—is to participate in its spread.
Despite its brevity, 2 John draws a firm boundary around the gospel. Unity is grounded not in tolerance of error, but in shared commitment to truth. Faithfulness sometimes requires saying no, even when doing so feels difficult or uncomfortable.
The letter closes with warmth and restraint. John expresses a desire to speak face to face rather than in writing, emphasizing the value of personal fellowship. His final greeting reinforces the communal nature of faith lived in truth and love.
The Book of 2 John reminds readers that faithfulness involves both conviction and care. It calls believers to guard the truth, walk in love, and exercise discernment in a world filled with competing voices.
2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 John 1:11
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
2 John 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.
2 John 1:13
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
2 John 1:2
For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
2 John 1:3
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
2 John 1:4
I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
2 John 1:5
And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
2 John 1:6
And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
2 John 1:7
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
2 John 1:8
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.