second john

Background

Authorship.   The similarities between this epistle and First John (q.v.) argue for identity of authorship. It is in this epistle and 3 John that the author identifies himself as “The Elder.” The theory that this person was someone other than the Apostle John is argued by some who refer to a reference by Papias to John the Elder. There is nothing about his reference however that demands that the Elder and the Apostle be different persons. There is also no ambiguity in the ancient tradition on the authorship of the epistle; the Apostle John is the unanimous consensus. The theory that an otherwise unknown John wrote it raises the serious question of how it was ever received into the canon. “On the whole the Elder theory, although it appears to have many plausible aspects, raises more difficulties than the traditional view.”[1]

Date of composition.   Nothing about the letter (apart from the authorship) helps us locate this letter chronologically. It is traditionally linked with 1 John and dated near the time assigned to that letter (q.v.).

Destination.   This letter is addressed to a “chosen lady and her children” (1). The first and most obvious explanation that comes to mind is that John wrote to a friend and her children. The alternative view that has been proposed is that the “lady” is a particular church, her “children” are the members, and her “sister” (13) is the church from which John is writing.

Actually it is the latter view that has the more to commend it. By comparison with 3 John it is curious that there are three individuals named, whereas in the present epistle none is. (“[T]he suggestion that the recipient was named either Eklecta … or Kyria … carries little conviction.”[2]) The notion that a group such as a church should be addressed in such terms is not inconceivable. It is also noteworthy that John used the second person plural in verses 6 to 12, while the second person singular is employed elsewhere. By contrast the singular is used exclusively in the personal 3 John. The subject matter of the letter is also quite general, appropriate for a community, but less understandable if meant for an individual so affectionately addressed. Finally, the last phrase of the first verse seems much more suited to the ‘corporate lady’ view. How John could say that “all who know the truth” also love this unknown congregation is more understandable than that they love an unknown individual lady and her children.

In this case the situation of the readers seems almost identical to those of 1 John. A case could be made for these two addressing the same congregation, and this one being the chronologically prior.

Purpose.   The dominant themes of Truth and Love are hard to miss. Threatened by the danger of itinerant false teachers, this congregation needed an authoritative word that every member must apply. The primary message is a warning against offering support through hospitality (Love) to the enemies of the Lord. The positive corollary is that while the Truth opposes falsity, it must nevertheless continue to embrace its spiritual kin in Christian affection.

Argument

This letter is about the wedding of uncompromising truth to tender love. This is unmistakably modeled in the opening comments (1–2). And thus the commendation for walking in the truth (4) is coupled to an exhortation unto love (5), which in turn is related to the issue of obedience (6).

This positive Christian living (4–6) is then answered by a negative defense against unchristian influences (7–11). The saints must be on guard (8) because of the presence of opponents of the truth in the world (7). The believers are warned of the lostness of teachers who deny the truth (9). For this reason they are not to be permitted to address the congregation of believers or support them in their destructive work (10–11).

These matters were so urgent they could not wait for the Elder’s personal visit, at which time he would address other less pressing matters (12–13).

Outline

I. Salutation  1–3

A. The correspondents  1–2

B. Best wishes  3

II. Body  4–11

A. Truth practiced  4–6

1. Commendation of walking in truth  4

2. Commandment to walk in love  5–6

B. Truth protected  7–11

1. Antichrists in the world  7

2. Defectors in the church  8–9

3. False teachers coming to the church  10–11

III. Personal closing  12–13

A. The Elder’s hopes to visit  12

B. The sister’s greetings  13