The Book of 2 John
A brief letter on the inseparable bond between truth and love.
One of the shortest books in the entire Bible at just thirteen verses, Second John is addressed to a local church, warmly commending its members for walking in truth and love while sharply warning against sheltering traveling teachers who denied that Jesus had come in the flesh. Read the full letter at 2 John chapter 1.
About 2 John
Second John is the sixty-third book of the Bible, written by the apostle John around AD 85-95 and spanning only 13 verses in a single chapter. One of the shortest books in the entire Bible, it is addressed by the Elder (John) to the chosen lady and her children -- most likely a local church and its members, addressed using female personification as was common in antiquity. The letter carries two tightly connected messages: first, a warm commendation for walking in truth and love, and second, a sharp warning against showing hospitality to traveling teachers who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, as such hospitality would make the church a participant in their false teaching. Major themes include the inseparability of truth and love (both are essential; neither can be sacrificed for the other), the danger of deceivers who deny the incarnation, the importance of doctrinal discernment in the church's relationships, and the joy of Christian fellowship rooted in shared truth. Key verses include 2 John 1:6 -- And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands -- and 2 John 1:9 -- Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Second John KJV Bible reading is a brief but important primer on the balance of doctrinal integrity and genuine Christian love. Read the Book of 2 John online here in full.