2John,the Book of

Courtesy Of James Earl Jones(Bible Audio)2John

Background:This is written to"the chosen lady"which probably refers to a church,not an individual.Some of the themes found in 1Jn are taken up here:loving God means doing what he has told us to do and loving others.The writer warns about each others of wrong ideas.

Author:John the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ

Date and Location:cAD85-95,after 1Jn and about the same time of 3Jn;from Ephesus,as were John,1Jand 3n

Recipients:To the chosen lady and to her children,suggested interpretations:

*a church in the vicinity of Ephesus

*Martha of Bethany(traditional view)

*a wealthy woman in the vicinity(view by most conservative scholars today) 

Purpose:

-commend and encourage a godly woman and her children for their Christian living and testimony(1:1-6)

-To warn them against entertaining or encouraging itinerant false teachers(1:7-11)

Unique Features:

-2Jn.is the only NTbk.specifically addressed to a woman

-the only Bible bk.beside 1Jn.to use the term"antichrist"(1:7)

-gives specific instruction concerning the believers attitudes and actions toward false teachers

Comparison:

-1JN:8 of 2Jn's 13verses repeat themes of 1Jn

-3Jn:2Jn.warns against entertaining false teachers;3Jn encourage entertaining true teachers

Abbreviations:2Jhn./Joh./Jn

MV:Pr21:8

Bib1Yr:1P3Having A Good Conscience