Introduction to 2nd John

Here's my introduction to the letter or book of 2nd John, and its course.

This second letter of John is believed to have been written from Ephesus (as it is believed that all three of his letters were likely written from there) around the year A.D. 90. This letter bears many resemblances to the 1st letter of John, talking about the necessity of walking in the love of God and loving our brothers and sisters. It also carries the same warnings as 1st John does about false teachers or “anti-Christ” characters. It is however, as you can see, much shorter than 1st John. It was written to the "elect lady and her children" (v.1) which some believe to be reference to an individual, but others submit that it was perhaps a symbolic reference to a church (which often is symbolized by a woman in Scripture. More details on this discussion can be found in the Lesson notes below). Regardless of whichever is the case, one thing is important for us: 2nd John is a solid part of God's word and we must understand its important message to those of us who are now living in the last days of earth's history! May you be blessed as you study this short, but powerful little book.

Blessings,

Ben