Page 81 - General Epistles (James through Jude) Textbook

Based on sources outside 2 John and the rest of the books of the Bible, “Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria
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(AD 155-220), Eusebius, and Jerome” interpret a lady and her children as a house church.

Occasion.
Indirect references to the presence of false teaching (possibly the secessionists [cf. 1 John 2:18-19]),
who could have had been influenced by Gnostics and Docetists, appear to have ignited John’s desire to
write the letter.

Purpose.
It seems that apostle John wanted to exhort and caution the church against the idea of embracing false
teaching (2 John 4-11).

Message (Content) from 2 John.

Having introduced himself as an elder, his readers, and wished them grace, mercy, and peace, apostle
John went to express his great joy because the members of the church were walking in the truth.
Possibly, apostle John introduces himself as an elder because he was advanced in years. Or he had been
in ministry for many years. It could also refer to his senior position in relation to his audience at the time
of writing. The latter is most likely the reason behind his introduction of himself as an elder.

Exhortations (2 John 5-6).
He is expressing great joy because the children of the lady were walking (or living) in accordance with
the truth. A chosen lady and her children possibly imply “a congregation within a community of
believers in Ephesus (see 1 John 1:3 and note). Biblical writers commonly referred to churches with
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feminine nouns and pronouns (see Rev. 21:9; 22:17).” Not only were they just living out the truth, but
they were doing so alongside the parameters God had set. It is not clear what truth specifically were
they practicing. However, he could have been referring to the Gospel or Jesus Christ Himself, who
should have been living in them because He Himself embodies the truth (cf. John 14:6). On top of that,
he exhorts them to love one another, the command which they have heard from the beginning. They
needed to continue loving one another continuously and demonstrably not just by showing their teeth
through smiling or laughing.

Caution (2 John 7-11).
Apostle John addressed the church to watch out in order that they do not lose
what they have worked for. Why? Deceivers, those who denied the incarnation
of Jesus Christ (possibly, secessionists [probably those who would have been
influenced by docetists’ teachings]) were among them and in places beyond
where John’s audience were residing. Their teachings were influential and
appealing but void of redemptive authority and the Holy Spirit’s power. As a
result, they needed to watch out (or continue to keep an eye on) such
teachings. “Watching out” could possibly mean testing them (cf. 1 John 4:1), having observed that they
were not sound, refute them by means of not practicing them. Since secessionists quitted, that is, they
did not continue living out the teaching of Jesus Christ (possibly because they denied Him to have come
in the flesh), it demonstrated that they did not have God. Whoever does not continue in the teaching of
Jesus Christ, that one did not deserve to be shown hospitality or welcomed in their in Christians’ homes
or assembly. John does not deny them from giving them water for drinking or food for eating. It appears

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