John’s Second Epistle

2 Jno. 1-3

Truth

¹ The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, ² because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

³ Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.  –2 Jno. 1-3

Among New Testament writers, John is not known for sequential arguments (like Paul in Romans). He is not known for relating cases of conversion (like Luke in Acts). He is not known for contrasts between the covenants (as in Hebrews). John is known for his directness and simplicity. And, for his interests in stating his purpose in writing (see 1 Jno. 2:14-14 and Jno. 20:30,31). In this second epistle his purpose is to encourage “the elect lady and her children” to know, love and abide in the truth.

It is noteworthy, reading Second John there are words and phrases that stand out: Truth, Walking in Truth, Commanded, Watch yourselves and avoid giving support/endorsing those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ.

John’s love for his readers compelled him to remind them of their commitment to the truth of Christ, revealed through the apostles.

Since the time John wrote this, nothing has happened that should cause us to take it less seriously today. Christians are people who want to know the truth, love the truth and walk in the truth. Part of that obligation is to avoid, mark and not support those who would lead people away from the truth Christ revealed through His apostles (see Rom. 16:17,18).