About This Book
Second John, written to an elect lady and her children, warns against showing hospitality to false teachers who deny Christ's incarnation, emphasizing that love means obeying God's commands. The elder rejoices greatly at finding some of her children walking in truth, just as commanded by the Father. He asks not with a new command but the original one—that believers love one another, which means walking according to God's commands. The command heard from the beginning is to walk in love.
Many deceivers have gone into the world, those who don't confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh—such is the deceiver and antichrist. Believers must watch themselves carefully to avoid losing what they've worked for, instead receiving full reward. Anyone who runs ahead and doesn't abide in Christ's teaching lacks both Father and Son, but whoever abides in the teaching possesses both. If anyone comes not bringing this teaching, don't receive them into your house or give any greeting, because whoever greets them participates in their wicked works.
Though having much to write, John prefers not using paper and ink, hoping instead to visit and speak face to face, that their joy may be complete. The children of the elect lady's elect sister send greetings. This brief letter emphasizes the critical importance of doctrinal purity regarding Christ's incarnation and the practical necessity of refusing fellowship with those who propagate false teaching about Jesus. Truth and love remain central themes, but love never compromises doctrinal truth.
The letter serves as a warning that hospitality, normally a Christian virtue, becomes spiritual compromise when extended to teachers denying Christ's true nature. Believers must balance warmth toward genuine brothers with vigilance against deception.