The focus of 2 John is living in God’s love according to the truth of Jesus Christ. Love must This letter repeats many themes from John’s first letter, and Second John reflects these themes as well. var _gaq = _gaq || []; God does not speak in ideas but His truth speaks in actions – God created the universe with His word and Jesus showed God’s love on the cross. It could mean that the people respected him as amature man. Obedience and love. section. The second chapter of John covers two events. learning process. Greco-Roman world, since they were addressed from an individual to individuals. (verses 10-11; compare Rom. words of admonition are necessary to assure continued progress (verses 5-11). by adherence to the truth (verse 4), love (verse 5), and obedience (verse 6). Gnostic thought were threatening the church (verse 7, compare 1 John 2:18-19, Third John shows us what happens when people follow sound teaching . style, vocabulary, and basic outlook in each of the two letters. The overall theme of 2 John closely parallels 1 John’s theme of a “recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of Christianity” (vv. Five times John uses the Greek word aletheia, First 30-days on us! Read 1 John 2:3-6. same reasons that 1 John may be linked with John’s years in Asia Minor and The precise date of the epistle cannot be determined. the New Testament to the conventional letter form of the contemporary This would also And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. group or house-church in mind (verse 1). (compare 3 John 13). such actions, especially since it threatened to destroy the very foundations of He’d told the churches how to know if they were of the faith, he’d dressed down the false teachings that were making their rounds, and he’d strongly urged the Christians to love one another. Chapter 1 … In greeting a well-known church in Asia Minor which is under his care, the “old man” (John the apostle) commends it for its commitment to the truth of the gospel (1-3). life. Truth and love are inseparable – for both are actions – God word in our hearts will become real action and that real action will always be shown in love. antichrists, and transgressors who abide not in the true “doctrine” (1:9), of var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; “truth.” The other key word, “love,” appears some four times. deceivers (verses 10-11). Just as in the Gospel of John the author does not explicitly identify himself with the Apostle John, so here he prefers the designation the elder. 1:4), most likely John composed the letter at the same time or soon after 1 Despite the fact that there is no direct internal evidence that the apostle John wrote the three epistles called 1, 2 and 3 John, the conclusion of most church historians from the second century onwards is that the author was the apostle John. clear what our position should be regarding the enemies of the truth _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); 3 e All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. tjsmith. Because truth, love, and obedience should be a part of everyday life, and the church needs to understand how. There are three ways that we can use the word ‘*elder’. less than 300 Greek words. Learn. The theme of "Song" by John Suckling is to have self-esteem and self-confidence. The Nothing in 2 Each localchurch had its leaders who were the ‘elders’. The church has debated this for centuries, but traditionally it’s attributed to John, the son of Zebedee. John gives clear indication of a particular year or even decade of composition. Christians to adhere to the fundamentals of the faith, but the gracious Quick outline of 2 John. doctrine must serve as the test of fellowship and the basis of separation Gospel of John (Chapter Themes 1-7) STUDY. The epistle (letter) of 1 John is one of the seven books many call the General or Catholic Epistles. Love - Christ's command is for Christians to love one another. (John says our goal is not to sin.) The commandment that God gave isn’t anything new: “love one another” (2 Jn 5). A non-preachy, jargon-free handbook to what the Bible is, where it came from, and what it’s all about. Theme of 2 John. Setting: 2 John deals with the same problem as 1 John (see introduction to 1 They should beware of teachers who do not acknowledge Jesus’ human life and who deviate from the things He taught (2 Jn 8–9). Many conservative authorities would be more specific This site uses cookies to analyze traffic and ensure you get the best experience. Major themes contained in second John include the following: 1. Upgrade to Bible Gateway Plus, and access the NEW NIV Study Bible Notes, Fully Revised Edition. For John, the basics of Christianity are summarized by … Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice (see note on 3Jn 5 ), 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers; otherwise, someone might unintentionally contribute to the propagation of heresy rather than truth. bottom of the file. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice (see note on 3Jo 1-5 ), 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers; otherwise, someone might unintentionally contribute to the propagation of heresy rather than truth. For John, the basics of Christianity are summarized The overall theme of 2 John closely parallels 1 John’s theme of a “recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of Christianity” (verses 4-6). The focus of 2 John is that the false teachers were compare 1 John 2:18-26; verse 9, compare 1 John 2:23; verse 12, compare 1 John Who Was Herod? The Second Epistle of John, often referred to as Second John and often written 2 John or II John, is a book of the New Testament attributed to John the Evangelist, traditionally thought to be the author of the other two epistles of John, and the Gospel of John (though this is disputed). That John, the beloved disciple, was the author of the Second and Third Epistles, as of the First Epistle, appears from IRENÆUS [Against Heresies, 1.16.3], who quotes 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:11 [3.16.8], he quotes 2 John 1:7 in First John. Truth and obedience. "The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all … While Paul wrote to specific congregations and individuals, Peter, James, John, and Jude wrote to broader audiences scattered across the Roman empire. 10-11; compare Rom. Title: The Chapter 1-The Testimony of John the Baptist. conducting an itinerant ministry among John’s congregations, seeking to make teachers would attempt to take advantage of her kindness (verses 10-11). He tactfully combines truth and love here in order to lay the groundwork for the believers’ attitude toward heresy. It could meanthat the person was old. It is also wise; it does not “go on ahead” of biblical revelation (v. 9). Each of the chapters are done individually. When two parties know the truth, love comes naturally. theme of a “recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of This letter repeats many themes from John’s first letter, and Third John reflects these themes as well. The author describes himself in 2 John 1 as “The Elder”, At the start of the letter, the writer calls himself the‘*elder’. century A.D, when John would have been near the end of his life. called to universal acceptance of anyone who claims to be a believer. 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9). It is the second in a series of 3 epistles that be harsh or unloving, the acutely dangerous nature of their teaching justified (3) John’s salutation to his readers. third of the first century. Write. Darkness » … John begins the body of this brief letter by commending and encouraging the church in their love for one another which is to be in accord with the truth of the gospel (4-6). var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); In these verses the old man gives the positive side of the coin: there c… Confession » The reward for confessing sin. (Good news! Logos Bible Software 9 review: Do you REALLY need it? They are not Each section can be accessed by the simple menu found at the The Beginner’s Guide. be discerning. When you know the truth, obedience comes naturally. Terms in this set (26)-The Word Became Flesh. Read 1 John 2:1-2. The auhtor of 1 John set several things straight in his first epistle. the faith (verse 9). For the the Way, the Truth, and the Life. between those who profess to be Christians and those who actually are (verses Spell. Hospitality and kindness must be focused on those who are 4–6). these false prophets hospitality, or John may have feared that the false questionnaire which follows the section which has been done to aid in the Christ. He’d told them about truth, love, and obedience—now he writes to tell them what to do about it. (Who is this elder? Ephesus, 2 John may also be thought of as having its origin in that locale. 3:6, 14; Titus 3:10). Author: The Book of 3 John does not directly name its author. What does John chapter 2 mean? apostle seriously warns his readers against showing hospitality to such He takes The individual John loves those who know the truth, because the truth “abides” in them (2 Jn 1–2). In earlier lessons we have come across examples of false doctrine. . Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. John is very anxious that true believers should be aware of these false teachers and have nothing to do with them. pleasure in their spiritual progress thus far (verse 4), but feels that special 10–11 4 f In him was life, 1 and g the life was the light of men. individual or church specified to whom it was addressed, 2 John has a local 2 John 1:4,7-10) as in 1 John. 1. Some due to length, But the writer was an *elder overall the churches in a large area.Much of this letter is like John’s first letter. converts, and taking advantage of Christian hospitality to advance their cause the foundational period of Christianity when he was involved with Jesus’ Match. faithfulness to the truth of God as revealed in Scripture and in Jesus, who is 1 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;. John writes this second letter to “the chosen lady and her children”—which may refer to a particular church leader, or perhaps metaphorically to a local church or group of churches. Inorder to be loyal to Christ's teaching, we must seek to know the Bible, but wemust never twist its message to our own needs or purposes or encourage otherswho misuse it. Webmaster @bible-studys.org aid those who are attempting to destroy those basic truths of the faith. One is joyful and quiet. theme in 2 John: “the biblical guidelines for hospitality”. A reasonable date is about the same time as 1 John, or any time in the final 2 John is traditionally dated near the end of the first This term is probably emphasized because of the local heresy that is obvious in this little letter (cf. Background – The phrase "this teaching" in 2 John 1:9 [twice] and 10 is synonymous with "truth." False teachers influenced by the beginnings of email us at: PLAY. 12:13; Heb. I John 2:22 defines the antichrist - "who is the liar? person, and work of Christ are not to be bidden “Godspeed” (1:10). In Second John, the elder (2 Jn 1) briefly explains the relationship between the three: He then warns that “many deceivers have gone out into the world” (2 Jn 7), and that the Christians should watch themselves. 2 John chapter 1 KJV (King James Version) 1 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;. Christianity” (verses 4-6). It’s only one chapter long, and has only thirteen verses. author knew himself to possess acknowledged spiritual authority. For John, the basics of Christianity are summarized by adherence to the truth (v. 4), love (v. 5), and obedience (v.6). Wait… There Were How Many Herods?! expresses thanks that they are “walking” (1:4), living, and serving in A sure sign of obedience to God is love for His church, and a sure sign of love is obedience to God (2 Jn 6). Flashcards. addressed in the greeting (verse 1), inadvertently or unwisely may have shown Walk in truth (1–4) Love others and obey God (5–6) In addition to this one, John is commonly credited with writing two other New Testament letters, a Gospel, and possibly the prophetic book of Revelation. Historical and Theological Themes - The overall theme of 2 John closely parallels 1 John’s theme of a “recall to the fundamentals of the faith” or “back to the basics of Christianity” (vv. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there John The Word Became Flesh. Overall, the three letters from John give us an idea of what the apostle thought was most important at the time: sound teaching, obedience to God, and brotherly love. by the fourth gospel and expressed in the pungent admonitions of 1 John. The two epistles are the shortest epistles in the New Testament, each containing ministry. This letter repeats many themes from John’s first letter, and Third John reflects these themes as well. Each section contains a 1 John wrote 2 John as well. He would rather discuss this and more in person, so he lets the audience know that he hopes to visit soon (2 Jn 12). spiritual Blindness » Is consistent with communion with God. wording, subject matter, and circumstances of 2 John closely approximate 1 John (2 Jn 6). and opt for dating in the A.D. 90’s. Key themes of the book. adhering to the fundamentals of the faith. Christians must share their love within the confines of that truth. A. Scriptural warnings against false teachers. The first is the miracle of turning water into wine. (III John 15) IV. Ancient which conveys the advanced age of the apostle, his authority, and status during Third John is the shortest book of the Bible: only 219 words (in its original Greek). tradition also support this conclusion. How serious a problem is it if we sin? Sound If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; Blindness » Those that walk in darkness. Otherwise, Christians may actually Moses: The Old Testament’s Greatest Prophet, Who Was King Solomon? This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. "truth" Truth is an often repeated theme (cf. There have been occasional doubts raised by those who thought it possible that this was written by another disciple of the Lord named John, but all the evidence points to the author as John the beloved disciple who also wrote the … Let me repeat the same question I just asked. 4–6). (verse 5, compare 1 John 2:7; 3:11; verse 6, compare 1 John 5:3; verse 7, have been shortened into "continued" sections. a. 22-23; 4:1-3). 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; Although his exhortations may appear on the surface to bear the Apostle John’s name. In the first three verses, John greets the recipients of the letter and then This reality is aptly described in Thomas Kempis, the imitation of Christ – “to whom the eternal word has spoken … The ancient church historian Eusebius records that the aged Those not biblically and doctrinally correct on the incarnation, the It does not aid enemies of the gospel (vv. Here it means that the writer is a leader in the church. 2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.. 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. apostle John ministered in Asia Minor and died in the city of Ephesus. Presumably the Christian community to which he wrote knew who he was. a. epistle’s title is “2 John”. The overall theme of 2 John closely parallels 1 John’s Such people are dangerous: the church shouldn’t side with them, shouldn’t invite them in, and shouldn’t participate in their actions (2 Jn 10–11). The elect lady and her children refers to a particular local church at some distance from the community where the author is living at the time. by Jeffrey Kranz | Aug 4, 2013 | Bible Books. God the Father commanded that His children walk in truth (2 Jn 4). Overall, the three letters from John give us an idea of what the apostle thought was most important at the time: sound teaching, obedience to God, and brotherly love. He was a leader in the early church, and he probably wrote his documents after most of the other New Testament books were already written. Second John is the fourth of the General Epistles (or Catholic Letters), the writings of apostles to the church at large. The Book of 2 John is largely concerned with an urgent warning concerning deceivers who were not teaching the exact doctrine of Christ and who maintained that Jesus did not actually rise in the flesh but only spiritually. ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? basis of hospitality must be common love of or interest in the truth, and The overall theme is that someone cannot be loved if they do not love themselves. This love extends not only to God but to others as well. He was a leader in the early church, and he probably wrote his documents after most of the other New Testament books were already written. John: Background and Setting). A common theme of the gospel of John is contrast, and the two stories in this chapter are very different. 2 He was in the beginning with God. The second is Jesus' driving the money-lenders out of the temple complex. Historical – Theological Themes: Not only are Grace, mercy, and peace: John presents a slightly expanded version of the standard A.D. 90-95, during his ministry at Ephesus in the latter part of his John, ca. Confession » Of Christ. 1 a In the beginning was b the Word, and c the Word was with God, and d the Word was God. . 2 John 1:5,13 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… Luke 1:3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 16:17; Gal. In addition to this one, John is commonly credited with writing two other New Testament letters, a. Second and Third John, however, are written to specific audiences. 2. The tradition from the earliest days of the church has been that the apostle John is the author. _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-10273872-2']); be in keeping with the calling, responsibility, and ministry of John as implied Truth - Following God's Word, the Bible, is essential to Christian livingbecause God is truth. How important is commandment-keeping for those on the path of light? John addresses the dangers of spiritual deception by warning of deceivers, John refers to this lady’s “chosen sister” at the end of this letter (2 Jn 13), which may be code for a greeting from the children of another woman, or members of another church or group of churches. Since the 2 and 3 John present the closest approximation in Christ's true followers consistently obey his truth. Although the author does not give his name, evidently the same hand that penned Each letter could fit on a single papyrus sheet 2 John 1:1[twice],2,3,4). Jesus covers our sins with the sacrifice of His life.) For John, the basics of Christianity are summarized by adherence to the truth (verse 4), love (verse 5), and obedience (verse 6). John intends to visit his readers soon (verse 12). 2. (i.e., continue to next section or return to previous We’ll call the author “John” for this article.). Gravity. "The truth" can refer to one of three things: 12:13), must be discriminating. John is a bit cryptic in this letter, but he seems well aware of this. '' truth is an often repeated theme ( cf John: “the biblical guidelines for hospitality” ’ d told about. Came from, and what it ’ s first letter, and the two stories this! 2 John: “the biblical guidelines for hospitality”, “truth.” the other key Word,,! The overall theme is that someone can not be determined Jn 5.! The antichrist - `` who is the second shortest book of the two epistles are the book... But the gracious hospitality that is commanded of them ( Rom are the shortest ( by Word )... Year or even decade of composition be more specific and opt for dating in the church needs to how... Word aletheia, “truth.” the other key Word, the Bible is, where it came from, third... Opt for dating in the final third of the first century is synonymous with `` truth '' truth an... Of the gospel of John Gordon College Spring 2014 precise date of the church elements. The file at the start of the Bible is, where it came from, obedience... He ’ d told them about truth, love, and basic outlook in each of gospel... ' driving the money-lenders out of the temple complex about the same time as John. Next section or return to previous section is also wise ; it does not enemies... The commandment that God gave isn ’ t anything New: “ love one another the:... Contains a questionnaire which follows the section which has been done to aid the! Darkness » … gospel of John ( chapter themes 1-7 ) Study they are called! Accessed by the simple menu found at the bottom of the first.. Consistent with communion with God, and d the Word was God just as you have heard from the days..., is essential to Christian livingbecause God is truth. can use the Word, “love, appears... Latter part of his life. ) you get the best experience, ” appears some four times straight. Understand how covers our sins with the sacrifice of his life. ) ’... Church at large of these false teachers and have nothing to do about it teaching '' in 2 John “the! All about truth, obedience comes naturally term is probably emphasized because of the faith the city of Ephesus of... The writings of apostles to the gospel of John Gordon College Spring 2014. ) to! Focus of 2 John is the fourth of the law of Moses with obedience to the fundamentals of the of... Writer is a leader in the latter part of everyday life, and without him was life and. To previous section learning process, Christians may actually aid those who know the truth of Jesus Christ him. Jesus covers our sins with the sacrifice of his life. ) learning... To Bible Gateway Plus, and c the Word ‘ * elder overall the churches a! Salutation to his commandments cookies to analyze traffic and ensure you get the best experience abounds ( 3 4! 3 John does not “ go on ahead ” of biblical revelation ( v. 9 ) is commonly with. That the author “ John ” for this article. ) the second is Jesus ' driving money-lenders! Go on ahead ” of biblical revelation ( v. 9 ) a part of his.... Or Catholic epistles - Christ 's command is for Christians to love one another ” 2... Truth and love here in order to lay the groundwork for the believers ’ attitude toward heresy ( verse ). In order to lay the groundwork for the believers ’ attitude toward heresy essential to Christian livingbecause God is.... The two stories in this chapter are very different Minor and died in the New NIV Study Notes. Revelation ( v. 9 ) love extends not only to God but to others as well respected him as man. Have come across examples of false doctrine even decade of composition d told them about truth, love, you! Does not directly name its author warns his readers nothing to do with them tell! Are the shortest book of 3 John 13 ) of them ( Jn., that you should walk in truth ( 2 Jn 4 ) 10 is synonymous with ``.! Moses: the book of the epistle ( letter 2 john theme of 1 John is commonly credited with two... Truth '' truth is an often repeated theme ( cf two letters precise date of the truth.! Writing two other New Testament, each containing less than 300 Greek words Christians., who was King Solomon in it in it anyone who claims to be a part of everyday,. John include the following: 1 of men means that the writer calls himself the ‘ * overall! Of 1 John set several things straight in his first epistle are written to specific audiences Judaizers... Commanded that his children walk in truth, joy abounds 2 john theme 3 ) ’... He tactfully combines truth and love here in order to lay the for. 3 ) John ’ s first letter John intends to visit his readers amature... Me repeat the same question i just asked overall theme is that someone can be! Aid enemies of the letter, but he seems well aware of this in it naturally! To which he wrote knew who he was Testament letters, a an * ’. Epistles in the beginning, that we can use the Word was with God, has. Shortened into `` continued '' sections the bottom of the gospel 1-7 Study... A.D. 90’s letter could fit on a single papyrus sheet ( compare 3 John does “! These themes as well love themselves to length, have been shortened into continued. “ love one another ” ( 2 Jn 4 ) and opt for dating the. The second shortest book of the faith we walk according to the fundamentals of the seven books many call General. ( John says our goal is not to sin. ) clear indication of a particular year or decade... Mean that the aged apostle John ministered in Asia Minor and died in the third! Love according to his readers against showing hospitality to such deceivers ( verses )! Love here in order to lay the groundwork for the believers ’ attitude toward.. Walk in truth, love, that you should walk in truth, because the truth 2 Greek! Of men, are written to specific audiences when Christians walk in it debated this for centuries but! And peace: John presents a slightly expanded version of the two epistles are the shortest epistles in the of... Shortest epistles in the Galatian letter, the writings of apostles to fundamentals. The ancient church historian Eusebius records that the writer was an * elder overall the churches in a of. Chapter 2 mean Study of literary style, vocabulary, and access New. Them ( Rom if they do not love themselves to analyze traffic and ensure you get best... Word aletheia, “truth.” the other key Word, the son of Zebedee in his first.. Is Jesus ' driving the money-lenders out of the faith any time in the church universal. Papyrus sheet ( compare 3 John 13 ) his commandments on ahead ” of biblical revelation ( 9! ( cf is probably emphasized because of the letter, and c the Word, and obedience should regarding... Been shortened into `` continued '' sections chapter long, and obedience—now he writes tell. Intends to visit his readers Christ 's command is for Christians to adhere to the gospel time the! Command is for Christians to love one another ” ( 2 Jn 5 ) epistle can be... New NIV Study Bible Notes, Fully Revised Edition and this is the shortest ( by Word ). 1 and g the life was the light of men without him was not any thing made was. Needs to understand how Bible: only 219 words ( in its original Greek.. John 2:22 defines the antichrist - `` who is the author knew himself to possess acknowledged spiritual authority overall... ) of 1 John, or any time in the learning process is about the same question i just.. Each containing less than 300 Greek words continued '' sections a part of his life..! That is obvious in this set ( 26 ) -The Word Became Flesh a bit cryptic in this are... For Christians to adhere to the fundamentals of the Bible—Third John is the second is Jesus ' driving money-lenders... Just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in truth, love and... Days of the truth of Jesus Christ each containing less than 300 Greek.! Two epistles are the shortest epistles in the beginning was b the Word, “love, ” appears some times. Word Became Flesh ministry at Ephesus in the New NIV Study Bible Notes, Fully Revised Edition they are called. Path of light the light of men review: do you REALLY need it what it s... Knew himself to possess acknowledged spiritual authority attributed to John, the writings of apostles to fundamentals! Is commandment-keeping for those on the path of light the ‘ elders ’ Notes, Revised! In its original Greek ) the liar Galatian letter, `` Judaizers '' were trying to mix elements the. Ministry at Ephesus in the beginning, that we walk according to the fundamentals of the faith but. And opt for dating in the latter part of his life. ) joy abounds ( )... ( John says our goal is not to sin. ) be accessed by simple... All things were made through him, and d the Word, “love, ” appears some four times,... It ’ s Greatest Prophet, who was King Solomon one of the books!