The Second Epistle General of John: King James Version

Bible #63

by John the Apostle

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Scripture, History, Faith

24 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

John the Apostle or Saint John the Beloved was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Generally listed as the youngest apostle, he was the son of Zebedee and Salome. His brother James was another of the Twelve Apostles. The Church Fathers identify him as John the Evangelist, John of Patmos, John the Elder, and the Beloved Disciple, and testify that he outlived the remaining apostles and was the only one to die of natural causes, although modern scholars are divided on the veracity of these claims. John the Apostle is traditionally held to be the author of the Gospel of John, and many Christian denominations believe that he authored several other books of the New Testament (the three Johannine epistles and the Book of Revelation, together with the Gospel of John, are called the Johannine works), depending on whether he is distinguished from, or identified with, John the Evangelist, John the Elder, and John of Patmos.

Reviews

[Diamond Cowboy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second letter of John is the shortest book in the Bible.
In it John speaks to the ladies of the Church. He pronounces a beautiful blessing over them and exhorts them to love one an other as God loves them. John warns them to beware of false doctrines and if they find one who speaks a false doctrine to not let them into there home and not to wish them God's Speed.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love of God, and love of man, all enveloped in the commandment: And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, 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 ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second John is one of the shortest books in the Bible. It presents a contrast between the "teachings of Christ" and the "teachings of deceivers." It tells us to be aware of fake teachers."

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

One chapter with thirteen verses that are packed with an impact!

Again John majors on the passion of his heart

II John‬ ‭1:5-6
“And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. 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.”

But two other key things stand out to me in this letter. The importance of Truth and the instruction of look at ourselves so we don't loose what we have learnt.

‭‭Recommended to all who believe in Jesus Christ!

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

ESV version instead of WEB

[✨ tazannah ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received the commandment from the Father." — 2 John 1:4

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ The book of 2 John is a reminder on how we Christians should love one another. John defines love as walking in the commandments Jesus has told us to follow. When we do this, we walk in His truth. Seeing John's happiness when he heard the elect lady's (who, many think refers to the church congregation) children were walking in the truth reminded me of a similar verse, also written by John, reflected in 3 John 1:4, which says, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ John also warns us of false doctrines spreading in the church. He explains ways to identify these deceivers: those who don't confess Jesus is the Christ and has come into this world. We, as Christians in these end days, should especially beware these antichrists and always follow strictly what is taught from the Scripture, because "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17).

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he had both the Father and Son."

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ Ahh, I just love this verse. It clearly shows how those who keep the Word of God and follow His laws has God the Father and Christ the Son in themselves, and we in him. John 14:15 says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Furthermore, Jesus Himself assures us that, if we abide in Him, then He will abide in us. And if we abide in Him, and His words live in us, whatever we ask shall be done of Him. (John 15:4,7).

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Some Other Points I Collected From the Thomas Road Baptist Church Plan: *ੈ✩‧₊˚
**I HIGHLY recommend all this church's plans; they're all soo good, and super easy to follow! It's on the Bible app :)
↬ Proximity is power: Our joy is complete when God's people are together, united in the truth.
↬ When God's people share the truth in love, they invite people to believe the gospel and better protect themselves from false teachers.
↬ Anything that robs Jesus' glory is not part of God's truth
↬ Followers of Jesus can't follow Him alone. Christian community is a foundation and essential building block of an effective and joyous Christian life. It is also more effective when others see we, as a church, are united!

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.

·:*¨༺ ♱✮♱ ༻¨*:·

[Sophie]

✝️

[Cassie Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book of Second John is the sixty-third book in the Bible, and it is the twenty-fourth book in the New Testament. The author of this book is John, who calls himself the elder. There is some debate as to whether it was written by the apostle John going by another name or another John called the Elder. However, church tradition from the second century on is adamant that this book, as well as Third John, was written by the apostle.

The letter was written ‘to the chosen lady’ which could be a person or a church. The letter was most likely written in 90 AD when John was exiled in Patmos. This letter focuses on truth and how we should look at false teachers. John doesn’t even want people to host the false teachers in their homes, as doing so would make it look like they agreed with the false teacher.

The exhortation to love one another is a key takeaway from this short letter. However, John also warns that Christians should choose to not give their love to those who are false teachers. Caution is to be used when we give our love to others. And what is love but to walk “according to His commandments.” To obey us better than sacrifice, and our obedience affects others and not just ourselves.

[Ella あいみ M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments…
〜 2 John 1:6 〜

John advises the recipient of his letter to be fervent in Christian love (v. 5) and watchful of deceivers (v. 7–8). He tells his "children" to walk in the truth, obey God's commandments, love one another and guard the teachings of Christ. Then they would not be deceived by the Antichrist.

[Shantelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was very short. Warning and endearing together.

"Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete." 2 John 1:12 NIV

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The way we show our love is to obey God’s commands. He commands you to lead a life of love. That’s what you have heard from the beginning." (2 John 6, NIRV)

Rating: 5 stars
Narration: 5 stars

The book of 2 John, the 63rd book of the Bible (and the 23rd book of the New Testament), is in actuality, a letter. In looking for a numbered list so that I wouldn't have to count, I found this one, which is both numbered and categorized. The book of 2 John has long been accepted to have been written by the apostle John. Within the text of the letter, the sender and the addressee is not mentioned by name, which stood out to me. The Enduring Word Commentary on 2nd John poses the interesting idea that this letter is not more plain about who the letter is to or from in order to protect both parties from persecution at that time in history.

What stands out to me: Love. God is love and so it makes perfect sense that love is God's top priority for us.

Audiobook: Unfortunately, I deleted the specific audio version from my YouTube history, so I can't link to it here. I can share, however, that I reread it today by watching an ASL translation, which is viewable here.

The bottom line: On first glance, it seems like this book is mostly a greeting and a closing, but the message of love is emphasized, and I'm glad it's in the Bible. (And to you Goodreads readers out there - it's really short, if you're looking to catch up on your reading goal!)

Love is not easy, and we need to choose to demonstrate it everyday, even when we're not feeling it, towards God and towards people.

[Marla Stanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read NIV

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reading of God's Word is so remarkable that there is nothing that I can say to make it any better. Please, if you are a lost soul, turn to God! He can heal you and give you the greatest peace that you will ever know!

[F · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is amazing how powerful, practical and personable God makes even the small one chapter books of the Bible like 2 John.
This book shows us that just because someone claims to be a Christian does not mean he really is a Christian. Some professors know they are lying and some think they really are a Christian but are not really possessors of salvation. This is one reason Bible study is so necessary.

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 wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

MY BIBLE CHALLENGE:
In January 2015 I set myself the challenge to read the complete Bible within a year. I discovered that was an unrealistic challenge, and decided to pick up my Bible as and when I felt ready to read more of it. Here is a link to all the reviews in my Bible challenge so far:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list...

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the ESV version.

The thing that struck me most was the explanation of how we love God. In verse 6 it clearly states that true love to God is shown through obedience. And, verse 9 plainly states if we are not obedient, we don't have God.

What an important message that we MUST remember!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite verse: "Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full." ~ 2 John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ KJV

[Overlady · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 chapter, very short

0:07 - anti-christs not believeing that jesus came in a human body? hmmm.
0:10-11 - hmmmmmm. gets more and more radical, less loving

[Kindle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another letter

[Kait]

version: New International Version

[Emma Macchia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec 26, 2022: Same sentiments as last year.

Jan 9, 2022: Short and sweet. Also deserves a re-read. John is good stuff.

[greta long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE THIS BOOK JOHN NEVER MISSES

[Pontchita · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book written by the Apostle John, or the Elder as he referred to himself in these times of persecution reminds us of the importance of brotherly love, as well as our love for God, which shall be manifested by our obedience. Just as JESUS said, "if you love me, you will keep my commands" (John 14:15). However, the Apostle of Lord warns us about not entertaining the false teachings of the Antichrist, going as far as commanding us not to even greet them. According to the Enduring Word commentary, that goes as far as not even speaking to groups that spread a false conception of the Biblical JESUS, such as Mormons or Jehovah's witnesses. This comment reminded me of the verse in Psalm 119:11 that says that "I hide your Word/Commands in my heart that I shall not sin against you". This shows the importance of truly getting to know God for ourselves by diving and digging in the Bible ourselves, and not awaiting outside teachings. This will greatly help us in the end times with the coming of the Antichrist, where even possessing a Bible may be illegal. The letter ends on a joyous note with John encouraging the Church and praising God for their members walking faithfully in love and truth. The last verse makes us understand that John preferred speaking face to face, and not necessarily by letter, as he was eager to see them again 🤍.

[Abe Gabe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever. 1:1,2

Whereas 1 John focuses on our fellowship with God, 2 John focuses on protecting our fellowship from those who teach falsehood. The apostle went so far as to warn his readers against inviting false teachers into the house or even offering them a greeting (2 John 1:10). The purpose of 2 John is to warn a local church ("the elect lady") against false teachers, urging them to walk in truth and love by rejecting heresy and adhering strictly to the doctrine of Christ's incarnation. It encourages maintaining doctrinal purity, fostering mutual love, and exercising discernment against deceivers. The Book of 2 John is an urgent, brief letter warning against false teachers who deny the incarnation of Jesus, while emphasizing the inseparable connection between walking in Christian love and abiding in the truth of Christ's teachings. It calls believers to maintain doctrinal purity and avoid supporting heresy.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short, 13 verse letter written to a specific believer. It's a short encouragement to watch out for deceivers who deny Messiah, and to not be led astray by anti-messiahs who deny the faith.

The recipient is praised because some of their people were found to be walking in truth. She was encouraged to follow the command to love one another by walking out God's commands. She was warned not to be led astray by deceivers and given markers of believers vs those not of God to look for (verse 9). She's also told that there's too much to say by letter, so the elder coming to speak to her in person.

[Lila Diller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of the same themes as 1 John. Though John didn't specifically identify himself in 1 John, because of the similarities in style and theme and because he did identify himself in 2 John, it's a pretty safe bet that they were both written by the Apostle John.

I'm still not sure who the "lady" is. It's possible it could refer to a local church. I don't know. I'm going to study some more.

[Wesley Scarbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 John Review

2 John is the 63rd book in the Bible that is a letter from the church leader. This book is quite short but I like what it said in such few words. This book reminded me loving God and everyone else is most important and to not to listen to liars of God. Even though this book is a little too short I think everyone should read it. I give 2 John 4/5 stars.

[Santiago González · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brevísima, apenas un párrafo y repite lo mismo que la 1, con cosas tan coyunturales que poco puedo rescatar, así de primeras. Aunque el mensaje sigue siendo bonito y el estilo también. Me ha gustado más que la 3a

[Lounishka Louverture · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was instetresting and very informational. But i got kinda confused at the end.