2 John is book 24 of the 27 books of the New Testament and belongs to the General Letters section. See how it fits with the rest in our guide to all 66 books of the Bible.
Quick facts
- Section
- New Testament · General Letters
- Genre
- Letter (short pastoral note)
- Author (traditional)
- The apostle John, calling himself 'the elder'.
- Other views on authorship
- Clearly from the same circle as 1 and 3 John; many scholars attribute it to 'John the elder', who may or may not be the apostle.
- Date (traditional)
- About AD 85–95, around the same time as 1 John.
- Other views on dating
- Generally AD 90–110.
- Chapters
- 1
- Verses
- 13
- Reading time
- About 1 minute (293 words in the BSB)
What is 2 John about?
Early churches depended on travelling teachers who moved from town to town and relied on local hospitality. That system was open to abuse. 2 John addresses a congregation — called 'the chosen lady' — that might welcome teachers who deny that Jesus truly came as a human being.
The elder rejoices that some of the church's members are walking in the truth, and repeats the old command to love one another. But he warns that love does not mean welcoming anyone who undermines the core of the faith. Giving such teachers lodging and support would share in their work.
The letter ends with the hope of a face-to-face visit, since the elder would rather talk than write with paper and ink.
Outline of 2 John
| VersesVv. | Section |
|---|---|
| vv. 1–3 | Greeting in truth and love The elder greets the chosen lady and her children. |
| vv. 4–6 | Walk in love Joy at those walking in the truth; the command to love one another. |
| vv. 7–11 | Beware of deceivers Those who deny Jesus came in the flesh should not be welcomed as teachers. |
| vv. 12–13 | Closing Hope to visit in person; greetings from the 'elect sister'. |
Key themes
- Truth and love together. The letter uses both words repeatedly. Love without truth becomes naive; truth without love becomes harsh.
- Abiding in the teaching of Christ. Going beyond the teaching about Christ means leaving God behind. Staying in it keeps believers connected to both Father and Son.
- Wise hospitality. Hospitality was a Christian virtue, but supporting people who spread falsehood was not loving.
Key people
- The elder — The writer, traditionally identified as the apostle John.
- The chosen lady — Most likely a church personified, possibly an individual Christian woman.
- Jesus — The Son who came in the flesh.
Key verses in 2 John
Quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.”
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.”
“Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.”
How 2 John fits the big story
2 John is a small window into the life of the early church after Acts. It applies the message of 1 John to one practical problem: who to welcome as a teacher. Its companion, 3 John, shows the other side — commending a believer who welcomed faithful travellers. Together they show how the truth about Jesus was protected as it spread.
How to read 2 John
At 1 chapter a day you can read 2 John in 1 day — in one sitting. Read 1 John 4:1–3 first, then 2 John. The short letter makes much more sense with that background.