The Little Letter of 2 John
Reflecting on the Third Sunday of Easter: Two Days after Sunday (Year B)
Scripture
Psalter: Psalm 150
Old Testament: Hosea 5:15—6:6
Epistle: 2 John 1-6
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Prayer
Living God, long ago, faithful women proclaimed the good news of Jesus’ resurrection, and the world was changed forever. Teach us to keep faith with them, that our witness may be as bold, our love as deep, and our faith as true. Amen. (Revised Common Lectionary)
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Reflection
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment but one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.
Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist! Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we have worked for but may receive a full reward. Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive and welcome this person into your house, for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.
Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead, I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
The children of your elect sister send you their greetings (2 John 1-6).
2 John is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, consisting of only 13 verses, and is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, the same author of the Gospel of John and 1 John.
The background and context of 2 John are closely tied to its content and purpose. The letter is addressed to “the chosen lady and her children,” which has been interpreted in different ways. Some scholars suggest that it could be a metaphorical reference to a specific church and its members, while others believe it may be addressed to an individual woman and her family.
The central theme of 2 John is the importance of walking in truth and love. In the fourth century, Hilary of Arles writes,
By “truth” John is referring to the Holy Spirit, because love is always the work of the Holy Spirit.
The letter emphasizes the need for believers to adhere to the teachings of Christ and to avoid false teachings and deceivers. John warns against receiving false teachers into one’s home or giving them a platform as this would imply endorsement of their false doctrines.
Additionally, the letter emphasizes the connection between love and obedience. John encourages believers to love one another and live according to the commandments of God. He highlights the relationship between love for God and obedience to God’s commands, stating that love and obedience are inseparable.
Overall, 2 John serves as a reminder to Christians about the essential principles of faith, truth, love, and obedience. It underscores the importance of discernment in recognizing and rejecting false teachings while upholding the core tenets of the Christian faith.
PRAYER: O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer)
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