2021-11-26

2 John 1-13

　　It is believed that this short letter was written by the Apostle John during his advanced years as he addressed himself as “the elder” (v.1). The style of writing and much of the content surrounds the theme love which reminds one of the book of John (v. 5-6).

　　John addressed the letter to the chosen lady and her children (v. 2) probably referring to a local church and its members. The church could be near to where John was since he seemed to know some of the members of the church, planned to visit them (v.4, v.12) and have learnt about what had happened in that community (v.7, v.10)

　　The heart of the letter was to encourage the believers to hold fast to the commands of Jesus (truths and love) without being deceived by some heretical teachings regarding Jesus’ identity. Apparently there were some traveling Gnostic teachers who taught that Jesus could not be man and god (v. 7). John was concerned these false teachers might wormed their way into the homes of believers and washed their brains. John warned them not to fall into their trap and jeopardize their full heavenly reward (v. 8-9). This reminded me of the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses who spread their false teachings by door-to-door witnessing and handing out the printed materials of their faith such as the Watchtower of Jehovah Witnesses. Believers must strengthen their faith by carefully studying the Bible. By doing so, we will be able to recognize the false teachings of other faiths or cults which oftentimes use familiar lingo in the Christian community but deviates from the truth taught in the Bible.

　　John warned the believers of the church not to receive such a person into their homes. These traveling false teachers depended on the provisions and hospitality of the people (v.10). John did not want the church to propagate the heretical teachings unintentionally. John also equated showing hospitality to the false teachers is like sharing in their wicked works (v. 11). This is a sobering reminder for believers to cut off anything that will jeopardize their faith. If we are unsure how to answer to such a person without falling into his trap or ignorance, then it is better not to associate with him.

　　John’s genuine love for the church members in his letter as well as his eagerness to meet with them (v. 12) encouraged me to follow in his example. May the love of God flow through me to others, especially to fellow believers for the glory of God! 　　　— Lai Yee Leong