FocusA shared commandment
Connection to the wholeThe greeting and appeal connect the recipients' walk in truth with love expressed in obedience.
interpretation 2 John 1:5
KJVAnd now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
Read it in context
Truth, love, and walking
Start reading at 2 John 1:1 (2 John 1:1 to 2 John 1:6).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The greeting and appeal connect the recipients' walk in truth with love expressed in obedience.
- 1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
- 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
- 1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
- 1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
- 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
- 1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
Who
- Who wrote the book? John is the traditional author; the letter's writer identifies himself as the elder. The precise identification with John the apostle is traditional rather than explicitly named in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 John 1:1. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, John, Epistles of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 John 1:1–1:13): The elder addresses the elect lady and her children about truth, love, and deceiving teachers. Whether this identifies a household or represents a church is uncertain. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The elect lady and her children. This may mean a Christian woman and her household or figuratively a local church and its members; the identification is not certain. Biblical references: 2 John 1:1; 2 John 1:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Truth, love, and walking. Read 2 John 1:1 through 2 John 1:6 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The greeting and appeal connect the recipients' walk in truth with love expressed in obedience. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The short letter addresses a present concern about deceivers and an intended visit. It does not give a date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The elect lady and her children are addressed without a named city. Whether the address also represents a congregation is an interpretive question. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Truth, love, and walking (2 John 1:1 to 2 John 1:6). Start reading at 2 John 1:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The confession of Jesus Christ come in the flesh and abiding in the doctrine of Christ govern the warning. See 2 John 1:7, 2 John 1:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Join love with walking according to the commandments and discernment about teaching. Apply the hospitality warning in relation to the teaching and support under discussion. interpretation
Cited: 2 John 1:1, 2 John 1:6, 2 John 1:7, 2 John 1:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
John the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe writer identifies himself only as the elder.
2 John 1:1
Early traditionEarly testimony names John the apostle.
What is debatedThe title elder is not a personal name.
Related passages
- not 1 John 2:7-8 1 John 3:11
- that we John 13:34-35 John 15:12 Gal 5:22 Eph 5:2 1 Thess 4:9 Heb 13:1 1 Pet 1:22-23 1 Pet 4:8
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 John 1
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.
2 John 1:1 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:7
The danger of deceiving teachers
2 John 1:7–11FocusRemain in the doctrine of Christ
Connection to the wholeThe warning calls for vigilance and forbids participation in the work of teachers who do not bring the doctrine described.
interpretation The planned visit
2 John 1:12–13FocusJoy in personal fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe closing words show that the written warning serves, rather than replaces, the writer's intended personal care.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 John
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.
2 John 1:1 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:7
Greeting in truth and love
2 John 1:1–3FocusShared confidence
Connection to the wholeThe greeting places the relationship within truth and love before the letter calls for conduct consistent with both.
interpretation FocusLove expressed through obedience
Connection to the wholeThe writer rejoices in children walking in truth and presents love as walking according to God's commandments.
interpretation Beware of deceivers
2 John 1:7–11FocusAbiding in Christ's doctrine
Connection to the wholeThe warning joins vigilance with limits on receiving teachers whose message denies Jesus Christ come in the flesh.
interpretation A hoped-for personal visit
2 John 1:12–13FocusJoy and fellowship
Connection to the wholeThe closing preference for face-to-face conversation places the concise written warning within an ongoing relationship.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.