2 John
Summary
In this brief letter, "The Elder" writes to "the elect lady and her children," expressing joy that some of her children are "walking in truth." John emphasizes the foundational command of love, defined as walking according to God's commandments. He warns specifically against the "many deceivers" who have entered the world and who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. John instructs the believers not to receive such persons into their homes or even to greet them, lest they participate in their "evil deeds." He concludes by expressing his desire to visit them in person so that their joy may be full.
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth;
For the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and shall be with us forever.
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
I rejoiced greatly that I found of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have done, but that we receive a full reward.
Whoever transgresses, and remains not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He who remains in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.
If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither greet him:
For he who greets him is partaker of his evil deeds.
Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.