Second John is only 13 verses long and was written by John to encourage Christians to love each other.

Second John is made up of four main thoughts:

• The greeting
• Walking in love
• Warning against deceivers
• The farewell

Second John is written to “the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth.” John must have known this chosen lady well and appreciated her family because they loved the truth. John points out in his letter that he is joyful because some of her family is walking in truth and love.

Second John also warns against the work of false teachers who do not confess that Jesus came in the flesh: “Many deceivers have gone out over the world,” he says, and don't acknowledge He came “as a human being” (verse 7, TEV).

John ends his letter by saying that he has many things to write but, “I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.” Like John, when we meet with believers, it is often such a joy to fellowship together and share similar experiences.

Key verses:

“I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father” (2 John 4).

“This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it” (2 John 6).

“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John 7).