BACKGROUND NOTES ON THE BOOK OF 2 JOHN

Author
The author of 2 John is traditionally identified as the apostle John, the son of Zebedee, and the author of the Gospel of John, 1 John, and Revelation. Conservative scholars affirm this view based on strong early church testimony, as well as the stylistic and thematic similarities between 2 John and 1 John. The author refers to himself as "the elder," a title that reflects his authority and pastoral role within the church.
 
Why was it written?
John wrote this letter to warn a particular Christian community, possibly a house church, about false teachers who denied the incarnation of Jesus Christ. He exhorts believers to remain in the truth, walk in love, and reject those who spread doctrinal error. The letter serves as both encouragement and a safeguard against deception.
 
How and when was it written?
2 John was likely written around AD 80-90, near the end of John's life, from Ephesus. It is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, resembling a personal note. It was likely sent to a specific church or group of believers.
 
First audience and destination
The letter is addressed to "the elect lady and her children," which could refer either to an individual Christian woman and her family or symbolically to a local church and its members. Given John's concern with false teachers, it was likely directed to a congregation under his spiritual oversight in Asia Minor.
 
Literary style
2 John is written in simple, direct Greek, with a strong pastoral tone. It shares many of the same key themes and expressions as 1 John, reinforcing its message of truth, love, and vigilance against false teaching. The letter follows a typical ancient epistolary format, including a greeting, body, and closing remarks.
 
Themes
· Walking in truth and love: Believers must uphold both doctrine and love in their lives.
· Warning against false teachers: Christians should not support or welcome those who deny Christ's true nature.
· The importance of obedience: Remaining faithful to Christ's teachings is essential.
 
Special features
· The shortest book in the New Testament by verse count.
· Emphasis on both truth and love as inseparable aspects of the Christian life.
· A direct warning against providing hospitality to false teachers, which would imply endorsement of their errors.
· The letter's brevity suggests it was written on a single sheet of papyrus.
 
General structure

 
· Chapter 1:1-3: Introduction - Greeting from "the elder" emphasizing truth and love
· Chapter 1:4-6: Call to walk in love and obedience - Encouragement to live by Christ's commandments
· Chapter 1:7-11: Warning against false teacher - Exhortation to reject those who deny Christ's incarnation
· Chapter 1: 12-13: Conclusion - Closing remarks and hope for a future meeting
 
 

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