Introduction to the second letter of John

The 63rd book of the Bible, the 24th in the New Testament

Despite its brief length, the second, personal letter from the Apostle John presents us with some mysteries.
It was likely written shortly after his first letter, between the years 85 and 94. However, it is also possible that the last two letters of John were written only after his return from exile on the island of Patmos around 96/97 AD.

It contains a typical opening and closing, in which the author and recipient are named—albeit in a coded form.
It has been suggested that this encryption of names, due to the persecutions taking place, was intended to prevent the sender and recipient from being identified.

The writer refers to himself as “the Elder” (Greek: presbyter); the recipient is named as a “chosen lady” (Greek: kyria = woman or lady, electa = chosen one) “with her children.”

Presbyters or elders were appointed as leaders in the early churches. “The Elder” points to a well-known and respected person who needs no further introduction.
Toward the end of the first century, one can assume that this applies to the Apostle John, the last living disciple of Jesus.

The style, word choice, and content resemble the Gospel of John and his two other letters to such an extent that there is no doubt regarding his authorship.

To this day, there are differing views regarding the recipient.

Some interpreters believe that she was a wealthy Christian widow in whose home a community gathered and who often hosted itinerant preachers.
Some assume that “kyria electa” simply refers to the woman’s name, Mrs. Electa.

Other Bible scholars believe that the “chosen lady” refers to a congregation and “with her children” to the members of the community.

We frequently find the congregation referred to as a female person in the Bible.
For example, Paul refers to it as a “pure virgin” in 2 Corinthians 11:2, or in the Book of Revelation as the “Bride of Christ” in 21:9.
Accordingly, the “chosen sister” mentioned in the greetings at the end of the letter would also refer to a “sister congregation.”

Thus, it is possible that John sent his second letter from a place of absence to Ephesus, or from Ephesus to one of the surrounding churches.
Now, quite apart from these open questions, the fact remains that the content is once again relevant to all of Christendom.

If the truth of the pure doctrine through Jesus Christ is in us, we love our fellow believers all over the world and align our own lives with God’s commandments.

The warning against false teachings that call into question the divinity and humanity of Jesus, whether they be ancient Gnosticism or modern theories and concepts.
Any tolerance of—or even support for—false teachings leads people astray and causes us to become estranged from God.

Outline of 2 John:

Content of the second letter of John:

2. John chapter 1