The courtyard of a modest Greek house at dusk, benches set round a low table with a loaf and a lit clay lamp, the street door standing open.

The Book of

2 John 1

One sheet of papyrus to a house church. Two words run all through it: truth and love.

13 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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A Greeting from the Elder

From The elderTo the chosen lady and her children

The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—

because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.

2 John 1:1–3

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the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever

2 John 1:2

Walking in the Truth

The elder

2 John 1:6

Question

Quick question

One word keeps coming back in the opening lines of this letter.

How many times does the word ‘truth’ appear in verses 1–4?

Beware of Deceivers

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

A single clay lamp burning steadily in the wall niche of a dark house, the door open to a night street beyond.

Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded. Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him. Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Remain or run ahead

Whiteboard

Verse 9 gives two roads from the same starting point. Moving past the teaching of Christ looks like progress, but it leaves God behind. Staying in it is not standing still: “Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.”

Pray

Keep me in Your truth

The elder says, “Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for.” Ask God to keep you rooted in the truth about Jesus Christ, who truly came “in the flesh.” Pray for the people who teach you, and for wisdom to tell a true word from a false one, with a heart that stays kind.

Conclusion

From The elderTo the chosen lady

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

The children of your elect sister send you greetings.

2 John 1:12–13

A reed pen and ink pot set aside beside a half-written sheet of papyrus, a traveller’s cloak and staff ready by the open door at morning.

so that our joy may be complete

2 John 1:12

Reflect

Truth and love together

In this letter truth and love never come apart. Love is to “walk according to His commandments,” and the truth “abides in us.” Which comes harder for you: holding firmly to the truth, or loving warmly the people around you? Who in your life needs a word of truth spoken in love, perhaps “face to face”?

You’ve experienced

2 John 1

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A verse to carry with you

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

2 John 1:6

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