2 John 1:1-13
Q.1. To whom was John writing? What gladdened the heart of the apostle? What was the thrust of his message? – (2 Jn.1:1-6)
John was writing as an elder (1 Pet.5:1) to – the chosen lady and her children (2 Jn.1:1). She was likely one of the women who hosted a church in her home and was raising godly children – I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father (2 Jn.1:4). John commended her, since this was the greatest of joys [Some suggest John was referring metaphorically to a particular church and its members.] It is always a blessing to see a healthy church where people are growing in the truth. John was calling on them to love one another, as they lived according to the truth (2 Jn.1:5). The command to love God’s truth, and to love others, has been God’s teaching from the beginning. It was given greater impetus through the life and death of Jesus Christ (2 Jn.1:6).
Q.2. What deception did John warn against? How are we to treat false teachers? Why? How did John want to influence them? – (2 Jn.1:7-13)
John was particularly concerned that there were people advancing the view that Jesus Christ did not really come in the flesh (2 Jn.1:7). The spirit of antichrist always attacks the doctrine of the person of Christ, either by denying that He is God, or that He was a real man in the days of His flesh. However, only Jesus, as true Man, could properly represent sinners. Only, as true God, would He be able to pay the price of sin and defeat death for believers. There is only one true Gospel that has the power to save. As Peter declared – 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead–by this name this man stands here before you in good health … 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:10 & 12). If we keep believing and holding on to the Gospel, this will ensure that we will stay connected to both the Father and the Son and that we will receive our full reward (2 Jn.1:8-9). John gave a strong warning about those who bring another gospel – 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; 11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds (2 Jn.1:10-11). John wanted to warn this ‘chosen lady’, that if she welcomed and gave hospitality to such people, others, including her children, would be confused, influenced and undermined by them (c.f. Gal.1:6-9). John had much more to share but would prefer to do so in person. For now, the warning would protect them from being deceived.