Lesson 1 Introduction to Second John; “The Importance of Truth” 2 John 1-13 Page 1 1
The Second Epistle of John apparently is a “companion piece” to First John. Both letters show a similarity of style, composition, and language that points to a common authorship. Both seem to be addressing the same gnostic threat to the end-of-the-century churches. It is like a brief review of First John 2
THE AUTHOR: Identified only as “The Elder” the author of this epistle cannot with total certainty be named. John resided in Ephesus during many of his later years It is reasonable to suppose that this letter was written from that city in the waning days of the first century. 3
THE PURPOSE: Second John, it seems, has the same purpose as First John. The churches of Asia were experiencing severe spiritual threats from gnostic teachers They had infiltrated local congregations with their pernicious false teaching about the nature of Jesus Christ, and Had seriously eroded the faith of many disciples in those churches. 4
THE THEME: This letter places great emphasis on “truth” and “abiding in the truth.” Gnostic teachers were a danger to these Christians He needed to be clear and firm in his warnings and instructions, and These saints needed to be aware of the urgency of complying with his orders 5
A.The Importance of Truth-- verses 1-3 B.The Importance of Keeping the Truth-- verses 4-6 C.The Importance of Separating Truth From Error-- verses 7-9 D.The Importance of Supporting Only the Truth-- verses 10,11 E.The Importance of Having Joy From the Truth-- verses 12,13 6
1 The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 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. 7 2 John 1-3
Most scholars agree that the apostle John wrote this book. Was he speaking of his being a “bishop” (“elder”) of a local church in Ephesus? Or, was he making reference to his advanced age at the time of writing? 8 2 John 1-3
Was this some respected female Christian and her family to whom these words were addressed? Or, was the “elect lady” a local church (as a collectivity) and its members (as individuals)? 9 2 John 1-3
1.John’s high regard for this “lady” was based on the lady’s love of the truth. He believed that the truth would abide in her (verse 2). 2 John
1 The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 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. “Truth” (used 5 times; 9 times in First John) He also uses “doctrine” (3 times) and “commandments” (4 times) 11 2 John 1-3
1 The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 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. “Abides” (used 4 times; 12 times in First John) 12 2 John 1-3
1 The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 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. “Love” (used 4 times; 36 in First John; 26 times in the Gospel of John) 13 2 John 1-3
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it John 4-6
1.The faithfulness of “some” of them was a source of pleasure. No doubt, John would have rejoiced more greatly had all been “walking in the truth” 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth 15 2 John 4-6
2.Loyalty to Christ by church members consisted of “walking in truth.” This indicates a consistent and continual way of life (verse 4). 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father John 4-6
3.It was necessary for all Christians to present a solid and unified front in defending the truth against the devil’s agents The commandment was not “new” and it was from the “beginning” 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another John 4-6
4.The importance of mutual love had not diminished. Love was still “the” (same) commandment that every Christian must “walk in” at all times (verse 6). 6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it John 4-6
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son John 7-9
1.“For many deceivers have gone out into the world...” John earlier called these gnostic teachers “false prophets” (1John 4:1). They were “deceivers,” and deceit is one of Satan’s most potent weapons against the truth. (See 2Corinthians 11:13-15.) 20 2 John 7-9
1.There are many forms of false teaching Gnostics challenged the gospel doctrine of Jesus’ divinity (verse 7). 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist John 7-9
2.For details of gnostic dogma, see the “Background Information” in the material on The First Epistle of John John 7-9
3.John brands those who deny the dual nature of Jesus Christ as “deceivers” and “antichrists” (against Christ) (verse 7). None is more devious and destructive than the idea that the physical body was not crucified or resurrected and did not ascend into heaven in the presence of witnesses (verse 7). “…who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh…” (verse 7) 23 2 John 7-9
4.John exhorts, “Look to yourselves” (verse 8). Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith” (2Corinthians 13:5). Both wanted their converts to be faithful 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward John 7-9
4.John exhorts, “Look to yourselves” (verse 8). Both were aware that we may “lose those things we (the apostles) worked for” if we (saints) waver 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward John 7-9
5.Paul and John and other inspired teachers of the gospel had labored hard and suffered much to bring salvation to these Christians. Their joy was certainly affected by the loyalty or disloyalty of their “work.” 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward John 4-6
5.Paul and John and other inspired teachers of the gospel had labored hard and suffered much to bring salvation to these Christians. Their joy was certainly affected by the loyalty or disloyalty of their “work.” 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward John 4-6
6.Loyalty and disloyalty were measured by the steadfastness of people to the doctrine of Christ. There is no place for compromise about Jesus. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son John 4-6
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds John 10-11
1.Christians are not allowed to give encouragement to both truth and error. Faithful people must renounce all involvement with error and support only things connected with the truth of the gospel John 10-11
2.Not only must saints reject false teaching, they must also deny support and encouragement to false teachers (verse 10) This concept can present many sticky problems to the Christian 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 31 2 John 10-11
3.Gnostics were coming or had already arrived in town. Christians would take some kind of action Either in offering strong resistance to the purposes of the false teachers, or In failing to make them understand that their efforts would not be tolerated by dedicated disciples John 10-11
4.One who supports error will as surely be punished by God in the judgment as the person who does the actual teaching of error. 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds John 10-11
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen John 12-13
Some things could wait for a face-to-face encounter. Other things could not. The message of “the Doctrine,” the “Danger,” the “Destiny” (of unstable saints), and the “Duty” (of steadfastness) was urgent!! 12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full John 12-13
There were many needed instructions in his mind that he preferred to impart them personally 12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full John 12-13
Notice the progression of words used by John to describe the fundamental nature of the teaching about the identity of Jesus as found in the original gospel. He begins with “truth” (verses 1-4) Next he uses “commandments” (verses 4-6) Finally, he uses “doctrine” (verses 9-10) 37
1.By what descriptive word does John identify himself in this letter? (vs. 1) What is the significance of this “title”? 2.Is the “elect lady” an individual or a church? (vs. 1) (See Ephesians 5:23.) 3.What emphasis does the use of “Jesus Christ” (vs. 3,7) give to John’s position on the doctrine that was taught by the gnostics? (vs. 7) 38
4.Why would John employ the rather unusual language, “the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father”? (vs. 3) 5.Does verse 4 imply that some of the church members were not following the truth? Why? 6.How do we show our love both to God and to our brethren by “keeping the commandments”? (vs. 4-6) (See 1John 3:6; Colossians 3:12-14, etc.) 39
7.Another warning is given about “the antichrist.” What is it? (vs. 7) 8.What does verse 8 teach (if anything) about “falling from grace”? How does this verse relate to the parable of Jesus in Matthew 20:1-16? 9.In what two ways might the “doctrine of Christ” be used in verse 9? 40
10.What serious consequence related to false doctrine must Christians guard against? (vs. 10,11) 41