2 John [Press play below for the Introduction to 2 John]
[Click for Transcript]|[An Introduction to Second John.]
Presenter: John wrote his second letter along with his other two letters about 98 CE. At the time he was likely in or near Ephesus, and he may have been up to 100 years of age. John introduces his letter with the words "the older man to the chosen lady and to her children". Some think that the chosen lady may have been a Christian congregation, or a spiritual sister named Kyria, which is Greek for lady. Many points in John's second letter summarize thoughts from his first letter. For example, John again mentions the need for Christ's followers to love one another. He also states, "This is what love means, that we go on walking according to God's commandments." The apostle then warns that many deceivers have gone out into the world. These antichrists claim that the Christ did not come in the flesh. Did you know? At 2 John 10 and 11, John adds to the instruction in his first letter concerning anyone who pushes ahead of Christ's teaching. John states, "Do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." John's second letter glows with his love for his anointed brothers. He wants them to obtain a full reward, which includes the privilege of ruling with Christ in his kingdom. As you read 2 John, note how the elderly apostle expressed love for his brothers, how he desired that they go on walking according to God's commandments, and how those who stand firm against apostasy will have the privilege of inheriting God's kingdom.
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Chapter 1
1.1 The older man to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I truly love, and not only I but also all those who have come to know the truth,
1.2 because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever.
1.3 There will be with us undeserved kindness, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, with truth and love.
1.4 I rejoice very much because I have found some of your children walking in the truth, just as we received commandment from the Father.
1.5 So now I request you, lady, that we love one another. (I am writing you, not a new commandment, but one that we had from the beginning.)
1.6 And this is what love means, that we go on walking according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should go on walking in it.
1.7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
1.8 Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward.
1.9 Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son.
1.10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him.
1.11 For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.
1.12 Although I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I am hoping to come to you and to speak with you face-to-face, so that your joy may be in full measure.
1.13 The children of your sister, the chosen one, send you their greetings.