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Introduction to Second John
Keith Sharp
Author
Although the author of the epistle identifies himself only as "The elder," the overwhelming evidence from both internal and external evidence that this "elder" is the apostle John has led conservative scholars to unanimously recognize him as the writer. As to internal evidence, the words, grammar, and ideas of Second John are virtually identical to First John, so much so that seven or eight of the thirteen verses of Second John are found in First John. Concerning external evidence, the ancient writers Clement of Alexandria, Dionysius, and Cyprian are all witnesses to the authorship of John.First John shows how to have fellowship with God and the brethren (1 John 1:3,7)
Second John shows the limits of that fellowship (2 John 9)
Third John shows the practical application of that fellowship to the brethren (3 John 5-8)
Key Words (i.e., Thoughts) Common to First and Second John
| Word | Occurrences in
First John | Occurrences in
Second John |
| love | 29 | 4 |
| truth (true) | 10 | 4 |
| abide | 18 | 3 |
| walk | 5 | 3 |
| commandment | 10 | 5 |
| beginning | 7 | 2 |
antichrist
(only occurrences in Bible) | 4 | 1 |
To Whom Written
John addresses the letter to "the elect lady" (verses 1,5). This makes perfect sense if taken literally, thus there is no sound reason to take this as anything other tahn a literal lady who was a Christian known to John and to whom John was writing a personal letter.
Purpose of the Letter
John sends "the elect lady" the good news that her children whom he knows are "walking in truth" (verse 4). He uses this as an opportunity to exhort her not to extend fellowship to those who do not walk in truth (verses 9-11).
Theme
Fellowship is based on the doctrine of Christ (verses 9-11).
Outline of 2 John
I. Introduction - verses 1-4
...A. John addresses the elect lady and her children - verses 1-2
...B. He blesses them - verse 3
...C. He rejoices in the faithfulness of her children - verse 4
II. Admonition - verses 5-6
...A. Love one another - verse 5
...B. Walk after His commandments - verse 6
III. Warnings - verses 7-11
...A. Danger: Many deceivers are entered into the world - verses 7-8
...B. Principle: The doctrine of Christ is the basis of fellowship - verse 9
...C. Command: do not fellowship false teachers - verses 10-11
IV. Conclusion - verses 12-13
...A. John expresses his intention to see them - verse 12
...B. He sends greetings from the lady's "elect sister" - verse 13
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