2 John
Audience
The writer calls himself the elder and addresses the elect lady and her children. The outline retains that wording without deciding whether the address is to a household or represents a congregation; truth, love, and refusal of deceiving teaching govern the appeal.
Key References
Explore the Structure
Explore the structure of each book.
| Section | Focus | Connection to the whole |
|---|---|---|
| Greeting in truth and love 2 John 1:1–3 Interpretation | Shared confidence | The greeting places the relationship within truth and love before the letter calls for conduct consistent with both. |
| Walk in the commandment 2 John 1:4–6 Interpretation | Love expressed through obedience | The writer rejoices in children walking in truth and presents love as walking according to God's commandments. |
| Beware of deceivers 2 John 1:7–11 Interpretation | Abiding in Christ's doctrine | The warning joins vigilance with limits on receiving teachers whose message denies Jesus Christ come in the flesh. |
| A hoped-for personal visit 2 John 1:12–13 Interpretation | Joy and fellowship | The closing preference for face-to-face conversation places the concise written warning within an ongoing relationship. |
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.