General Epistles · New Testament

2 John

c. AD 90

Section
General Epistles · New Testament
Events span
c. AD 90
Written
c. AD 90 critical view: c. AD 90–110
Author
John the Apostle critical view: The Johannine elder / anonymous

In a brief letter to “the elect lady and her children,” John urges believers to walk in the truth and love one another, while warning them not to welcome deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.

Key themes

  • Truth and love
  • Walking in obedience
  • Guarding against deceivers
  • Christ come in the flesh
  • Discernment

The letter's message

  • John rejoices that the lady's children are walking in the truth 2 John 1–4c. AD 90
  • He repeats the command to love one another, which they have had from the beginning 2 John 5–6c. AD 90
  • He warns against deceivers who deny Jesus came in the flesh — do not welcome them 2 John 7–11c. AD 90
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”
2 John 6 KJV