Welcome to 2 John: Commitment to Truth and Love

The TDSE Description

30 minutes:

A) Welcome to the world of the Epistle of Second John. This is the

shortest letter in the New Testament, containing only 245 Greek words.

This epistle, along with 3rd John, is often known as a postcard epistle

because of its brevity. However, 1st John, 2nd John, and 3rd John are all

connected.

B) What is amazing about this letter is that we will find the situations

our brothers and sisters were encountering are not all that different from

those we encounter today. This includes standing firm in the truth, being

aware of false ideologies and philosophies, and avoiding deceptive

teachings.

C) The two primary principles of this letter are truth and love. It should

be noted that this was written around 90 AD by the elder Apostle John.

People who try to dispute the authorship are just trying to stir the pot and

create trouble.

D) As the letter opens, John addresses the chosen lady and her children.

Some people think that the Greek word "kuria" refers to the proper name

Cyria, but most commentators agree this is a direct address to a

particular local church. Remember, the bottom line of this letter is to live

in the truth, love one another, and be guarded against false teachers.

E) John makes a powerful statement that everyone who knows the truth

is connected. He says the truth abides in us and will be with us forever.

In the general context, this certainly talks about the truth of the gospel,

but it also makes direct reference to Jesus Christ, who is the way, the

truth, and the life. We are united by Jesus, who lives with us forever.