1 The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:3 Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
5 And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.9 Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.11 Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.13 The children of your elect sister send you greetings.
Terrace house in Ephesus
John warns his readers not to invite false teachers into their homes (v. 10) and thereby support their teachings (v. 11).
The photo above shows a luxury terrace house of ancient Ephesus, with the courtyard and fancy flooring visible. At least some of this residence likely existed in the time of John, though it may have been renovated over the years.
Credit: BiblePlaces.com
Who wrote 2 John?
The authorship of 2 John is debated. Tradition points to John the Apostle, but some scholars suggest it was another John called the elder. In either case, the author was likely a leader in the Christian community at Ephesus.
The above mosaic is found on the Isle of Patmos (in the Cave of the Apocalypse), and shows John dictating to a scribe.
Credit: BiblePlaces.com
Who was the 'chosen lady'?
John addresses his letter to "the chosen lady and her children" (v. 1). Clement of Alexandria believed this referred to a woman in Babylon. However, scholars commonly suggest that the chosen lady refers to a church, perhaps in Asia Minor (Turkey).
The above picture shows remnants of the Church of Philip (Hierapolis, Asia Minor), and a 2nd century AD statue of a woman.
Credit: BiblePlaces.com