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2 John 1

13 verses

TL;DR

The elder of 2 John writes to an elect lady and her children, urging them to remain in truth and love, warning against deceivers, and inviting personal meeting.

Summary

The letter opens with the elder addressing an elect lady and her children, expressing love for them and for all who know the truth. He affirms that the truth dwells within believers forever. He offers grace, mercy, and peace from God and Christ, and rejoices that the lady’s children walk in truth, following the Father's command. He exhorts them to love one another as commanded from the beginning, describing love as walking in the commandments. He warns of many deceivers who deny Christ’s incarnation, labeling such persons as deceivers and antichrists. He urges vigilance to preserve what has been earned and to receive full reward. He declares that those who do not abide in Christ’s doctrine have no God, while those who do have both the Father and the Son. He commands the lady to reject any visitor who does not bring this doctrine, warning that blessing them makes one complicit in evil. He expresses a desire to visit in person rather than write, to share in full joy, and sends greetings from the children of her elect sister.

Outline
  1. 1. Greeting and affirmation of truth
  2. 2. Command to love and obey commandments
  3. 3. Warning against deceivers and instruction to reject false doctrine
Themes
True Faith and CommunityLove and ObediencePersecution and Deception
Keywords
elderelect ladytruthlovecommandmentsdeceiversantichristChrist's doctrinegiftrejection
People
Elder (writer)Elect LadyHer childrenElect SisterDeceivers/Antichrist
Places
Things
truthlovecommandmentsdeceptionreward
Key Verses
  • 2 John 1:7: Introduces the danger of deceivers who deny Christ’s incarnation
  • 2 John 1:10: Commands rejection of anyone lacking the doctrine of Christ
  • 2 John 1:11: Shows the consequences of blessing false teachers
Questions
  • What does the elder mean by "truth dwelleth in us"?
  • How does love as walking in commandments differ from abstract love?
  • Why is it important to personally reject teachers who lack the doctrine?
  • What might "antichrist" refer to in this context?
  • How can believers today recognize deceivers?
  • What practical steps can communities take to preserve truth?
  • What does "receive a full reward" imply for faith and conduct?
Sentiment

mixed
mixed feelings of love and admonition