2 John 1
Read 2 John 1 (WEB)+
1The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; 2for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father. 5Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. 9Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him, 11for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds. 12Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full. 13The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
World English Bible (public domain)
“And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.”
2 John 1:6
Summary
2 John 1 is a brief epistle written by the Apostle John, directed to 'the elect lady and her children,' which could either mean a specific woman and her family or metaphorically represent a church community. The letter emphasizes the importance of truth and love in the lives of believers, urging them to adhere to the commandments given by Christ. John stresses that love is expressed through obedience to God's commands. He also warns against false teachers who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh, calling them deceivers and antichrists. Believers are instructed to remain vigilant and not to offer hospitality to those who do not bring the true doctrine of Christ, to protect the community from spiritual harm. The letter concludes with John's hope to visit the recipients and speak with them face-to-face to complete their joy.
Go deeper
Ask the AI about 2 John 1
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture.
Daily Scripture study
Get a short devotional by email
One passage, one reflection, and one practical question for the day.
Subscribe free and instantly get “Depth Without Seminary” — our step-by-step study guide (PDF).
One short email each morning. Unsubscribe anytime.
Studying 2 John with a print Bible beside you? See our picks for the best study Bibles for men.
Chapter outline
How 2 John 1 unfolds
2 John 1:1–3 Greeting and Affirmation of Love
John addresses the chosen lady and her children, expressing love for them in truth. He emphasizes the enduring nature of truth and extends grace, mercy, and peace from God and Jesus.
2 John 1:4–6 Joy in Observing Truthful Living
John expresses joy at finding some of the lady's children walking in truth. He reiterates the commandment to love one another, linking love with obedience to God's commandments.
2 John 1:7–9 Warning Against Deceivers
John warns about deceivers who deny Christ's incarnation, labeling them as deceivers and Antichrists. He stresses that remaining in Christ's teaching is essential to truly knowing God.
2 John 1:10–11 Caution on Welcoming False Teachers
John instructs not to welcome anyone who does not bring the true teaching of Christ. He states that receiving such a person implicates one in their evil deeds.
2 John 1:12–13 Desire for Personal Communication
John indicates a desire to communicate face-to-face rather than through writing, aiming to share joy. He closes with greetings from the children of a chosen sister.
Key verses
2 John 1:6The key verse encapsulates the essence of love as obedience, grounding the chapter's call to live faithfully.
Main themes in 2 John 1
truth
Truth is a central theme in 2 John 1, particularly in verses 1-3 where John expresses love in truth. The chapter develops this theme by linking truth to obedience and the commandment to love one another. This emphasis on truth shapes the larger movement of the letter, which is a call to adhere to authentic teachings.
love
Love appears prominently in verses 5-6, where John urges the lady to love one another as commanded from the beginning. The chapter complicates the concept of love by defining it as walking in accordance with God's commandments. This understanding of love is crucial for the community's integrity and their relationship with God.
Explore love in the Bible →obedience
Obedience is highlighted in verses 6 and 9, where John explicitly connects love for God with walking according to the commandments of Christ. Throughout the chapter, John emphasizes that true obedience is essential for maintaining a genuine fellowship with both God and His Son. This theme serves to remind believers that living out one’s faith requires action that aligns with God's instructions, thereby fostering a deeper relationship with Him.
vigilance against deception
Vigilance against deception is a recurring theme, particularly evident in verses 7-11, where John issues a stern warning regarding the presence of false teachers. The chapter develops this theme by stressing the necessity of adhering to the teachings of Christ, which serve as a safeguard against being led astray. This emphasis on vigilance is critical for ensuring the spiritual health of the community, as it protects against harmful influences that threaten their faith.
Cross-references
Passages that echo 2 John 1
- John 14This passage connects with John 14 by reinforcing the importance of truth in the believer's relationship with God.
- 1 John 21 John 2 develops similar themes of truth and love, emphasizing the necessity of abiding in Christ's teachings.
- John 15John 15 echoes the commandment to love, illustrating how love is expressed through obedience and mutual connection.
- John 8John 8 connects by underscoring the concept of truth, which liberates and defines the relationship with Jesus.
- 1 John 41 John 4 develops the theme of love in greater detail, affirming that love is fundamental to knowing God.
- Matthew 11Matthew 11 connects by highlighting the importance of recognizing true messengers of God, paralleling John's warnings.
Study questions
Questions for studying 2 John 1
- Who is the elder writing to in this letter?
- Why does John emphasize truth in his greeting?
- What does walking in truth mean for the children mentioned?
- How does John define love in this epistle?
- What actions does John warn against regarding false teachers?
- What implications does welcoming a false teacher have for the believer?
- Why does John prefer to communicate face-to-face rather than in writing?
2 John 1: frequently asked questions
What is 2 John 1 about?+
What is the key verse in 2 John 1?+
What are the main themes of 2 John 1?+
Related chapters