Page 144 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

Occasion
It seems clear that the false teachers mentioned in verse 7 are the same as those referred to in 1 John.
However, in 1 John they seem to have separated from the Christian community altogether (2:19), while
in 2 John they present themselves as true believers who must rely on the hospitality of Christians in
order to accomplish their deceptive goals. They did not originate from the church addressed in 2 John,
though they apparently did come from the church (es) addressed in 1 John. 2 John is written, therefore,
to warn “the elect lady” (some interpret as the church) not to show hospitality toward itinerant
preachers who cannot confess that Christ has come in the flesh (vv 7-8).

Purpose
2 John is written to warn “the elect lady” (some interpret as the church) not to show hospitality toward
itinerant preachers who cannot confess that Christ has come in the flesh (vv 7-8).

Structure
2 John opens with a greeting (1–3), a body (4–11), and a conclusion (12–13). The letter’s body begins
with the command to love one another (4–6; compare John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:23). The rest of the body
of the letter focuses on how to identify and respond to false teaching (2 John 7–11). The letter of 2 John
concludes with John’s hope to visit the letter’s recipients (12).

How does 2 John Impact our lives?
Second John challenges us to use discernment as we choose to support leaders, organizations, teachers,
and ideologies. What should you do to determine if the people you’re considering supporting show love
for their neighbors and thus keep the commandments?

Are you extending hospitality to someone—or something—you shouldn’t support (2 John 9–11)? Who or
what might you support in its place?

In what ways have you been treating love as simply an emotion and truth as mere words? How can you
more actively express God’s truth and love in your life?

Highlights: key passages
• Practicing the Truth (4-6)
• Guarding against Doubt and Defeat (7-8)
• Guarding against Defection and Defectors (9-11)

Introduction to 3 John: Living in Hospitality

The main issue with 3 John, like 2 John, is hospitality. This time, instead of discouraging hospitality to
false teachers (2 John 10), John wants to encourage hospitality for traveling
missionaries who speak the truth (3 John 8). John contrasts one man’s
inhospitable actions with another’s faithfulness—and in the process, John
demonstrates the need for godly leadership like his own. 199

199 Barry, J. D., et al.

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