The brief letter to us from the elder comes as a heartfelt charge to remain rooted in the truth of Christ’s coming in the flesh—a reality denied by traveling teachers in some of our congregations. Writing to a chosen “lady and her children,” likely a house church in Asia Minor, John reminds us that our shared walk began “from the beginning” (2 John 1:1), when we first heard the call to live in love and obedience. He praises the faith and love we have demonstrated, urging us to walk in Christ’s commandments so that “love may be perfected” among us (2 John 1:5–6).
At the same time, John warns us to watch for deceivers who refuse sound teaching: “Whoever does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God” (2 John 1:9). This mirrors Jesus’ warning about wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15) and calls us to test every spirit by the standard of Jesus’ incarnation and saving work.
John’s closing injunction—welcoming true teachers who proclaim Christ’s gospel, but refusing hospitality to those who bring false doctrine—underscores our responsibility to protect the purity of our fellowship. In doing so, we safeguard the love and truth that bind us together and shine Christ’s light into a world hungry for authentic witness.