We now look at a short little letter, apparently written by the apostle John. It is addressed to "the chosen lady and her children." Like much of John's writings, there is an emphasis on Truth and Love. Both this letter, and the one that follows, address the issue of hospitality to visiting ministers.
II John 1-3, To the chosen lady, in truth
The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth--and not I only, but also all who know the truth-- because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Who is the lady? It is most likely a church.
As we follow the Son, we grow in Truth and Love; flowing out of that is Grace, Mercy and Peace.
II John 4-6, Love one another
It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another.
And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.
Or first priority as children of God is to walk in truth, loving each other.
This paragraph echoes themes of the longer first letter of John. As does the next paragraph.
II John 7-11, Deceivers
Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.
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.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.
This paragraph alludes to issues of hospitality. As travelers and missionaries moved throughout the Roman Empire, the Christian brothers and sisters would take them in and provide free room and board. The "lady" is being warned not to do this with the false teachers and deceivers who roam the land.
II John 12-13, I hope to see you soon
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. The children of your chosen sister send their greetings.
The "chosen sister" is probably the local church where John resides.
In this quick letter, John quickly emphasizes Truth, Love, and (related to both) a proper understanding of the identity of Jesus.
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