2 John
Name, Canonical Status, and Authorship
Titled “the second (letter) of John” in ancient codices, this short letter belonged to a collection led by 1 John. By the fourth century ce (Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 2.23–25) the Christian canon included three Johannine “letters” along with four others said to be written by apostles that were designated “catholic” or universal epistles. Some second-century Christians identified the “elder” (v. 1) with John the son of Zebedee, who was thought to be the author of both the Gospel and first letter of John (cf. Peter as “fellow elder” in 1 Pet 5.1). However, Papias distinguished between the evangelist John and the “elder” who wrote the Johannine letters. Most contemporary scholars accept this view. Some question the common authorship of all three Johannine letters.
Date and Historical Context
Since 2 John refers in v. 7 to the same dissident teaching as that opposed in 1 John, it must belong to the same period (ca. 100 ce). Because it warns against any association with those who hold these views, some scholars think that it was written before the schism that had split Johannine Christians into the separate communities indicated in 1 John. Others explain the difference as an indication that the schism that divided Christians in urban churches addressed in 1 John had not yet reached more distant rural areas.
Structure
Second John follows the conventions of a private letter: opening greeting identifies sender and addressees (vv. 1–3); letter body, beginning with an expression of joy at how recipients are faring, and concluding with future plans (vv. 4–12); final greeting from sender and associates to recipients (v. 13).
Contents and Interpretation
The letter opens with a summary of the mutual love that was the hallmark of Johannine Christians (Jn 13.34–35). It serves the rhetorical function of enlisting the goodwill of one's audience. The business of the letter follows, namely, a warning against false teachers and the demand that no one associate with them in any way (vv. 7–11).
The elder's harsh treatment of false teachers strikes modern readers as contradicting the Johannine ethical teaching of mutual love. If the impact of the schism was as serious as the language of 1 John suggests when it treats false teachers as “antichrists,” then 2 John might represent a type of quarantine measure to protect other communities from this disease. Some scholars think that a copy of 1 John was sent along with this letter.
Pheme Perkins
1The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and froma Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love.
4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
7Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! 8Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what web have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; 11for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
12Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.c