Title and Author: The book of 2 John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, also known as "the elder" in the text. John, the son of Zebedee, was one of the original twelve apostles and is also credited with writing the Gospel of John, 1 John, 3 John, and Revelation. The title "2 John" reflects its position as the second epistle attributed to him.

Historical Context: 2 John was likely written toward the end of the first century A.D., a time when the early church was facing challenges from false teachings and internal divisions. The Roman Empire was the dominant political power, and Christians were often marginalized and persecuted. The church was still in its formative years, grappling with issues of doctrine and community life.

Audience: The letter is addressed to "the elect lady and her children" (2 John 1:1). This phrase is often interpreted as a metaphorical reference to a local church and its members, though some suggest it could be a specific woman and her family. The audience was likely a Christian community familiar with John's teachings.

Purpose: The primary purpose of 2 John is to warn against false teachers and to encourage believers to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel. John emphasizes the importance of love and obedience to God's commandments as central to the Christian faith.

Genre and Style: 2 John is an epistolary letter, characterized by its brevity and directness. It follows the typical structure of ancient letters, with a greeting, body, and conclusion.1. The Elder (2 John 1:1)
- The author of the letter, traditionally understood to be the Apostle John. He refers to himself as "the elder," indicating his position of authority and respect within the early Christian community.

2. The Elect Lady (2 John 1:1)
- The recipient of the letter. The "elect lady" is a term that could refer to a specific woman leader in the church or symbolically to a church congregation. The letter is addressed to her and her children, emphasizing their shared faith and love.

3. Her Children (2 John 1:1)
- The children of the elect lady, who are also recipients of the letter. They are commended for walking in truth, which suggests they are members of the Christian community who are living according to the teachings of Christ.

4. Jesus Christ (2 John 1:3)
- Referred to as the Son of the Father, Jesus Christ is central to the message of the letter. The author emphasizes the importance of abiding in the teachings of Christ and warns against those who do not acknowledge Jesus as coming in the flesh.

5. Deceivers (2 John 1:7)
- These are individuals who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. The author warns the recipients of the letter to be on guard against such deceivers, labeling them as antichrists.

The letter is brief and focuses on the themes of truth, love, and vigilance against false teachings. The people mentioned are primarily the author, the recipients, and those who pose a threat to the community's faith.1. Ephesus
- Although not directly mentioned in 2 John, the apostle John is traditionally believed to have written this letter while residing in Ephesus. Ephesus was a prominent city in Asia Minor, known as a center of early Christian activity.

2. The Elect Lady and Her Children
- This phrase refers to the recipients of the letter, though their exact location is not specified. Some scholars interpret this as a symbolic reference to a local church and its members, while others consider it a literal person and her family.

3. The World
- John mentions the importance of remaining faithful amidst worldly challenges, especially regarding false teachers (2 John 1:7-11). The world serves as a figurative location representing opposition to Christ's truth.

4. Church Community (Implied)
- The letter addresses issues central to the church, such as love, obedience, and truth, suggesting its circulation among early Christian communities. The location could reflect any first-century church combating false doctrines.

5. Face-to-Face Gathering
- John expresses a desire to visit the recipients in person, stating that he hopes to meet them and speak face to face (2 John 1:12). This hints at the possibility of a physical location for this anticipated visit, perhaps where the elect lady resides.

6. Asia Minor (Broader Context)
- The early Christian network in Asia Minor serves as the broader geographical context for this letter, given John's association with the region during his later years.1. Greeting and Address (2 John 1:1-3):
The letter begins with a greeting from "the elder" to "the chosen lady and her children," whom he loves in the truth. The elder expresses his love for them and mentions that all who know the truth share this love. He extends grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ, emphasizing truth and love.

2. Commendation for Walking in Truth (2 John 1:4):
The elder expresses joy upon finding some of the lady's children walking in the truth, in accordance with the commandment received from the Father. This highlights the importance of living according to the teachings of Christ.

3. Exhortation to Love One Another (2 John 1:5-6):
The elder urges the recipients to love one another, reiterating a commandment that has been known from the beginning. He defines love as walking according to God's commandments, emphasizing that this is the commandment they have heard from the beginning.

4. Warning Against Deceivers (2 John 1:7):
The letter warns about many deceivers who have gone out into the world, specifically those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. Such individuals are described as deceivers and antichrists.

5. Admonition to Remain Faithful (2 John 1:8-9):
The elder advises the recipients to be watchful so they do not lose what they have worked for, but instead receive a full reward. He emphasizes that anyone who does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God, while those who remain in the teaching have both the Father and the Son.

6. Instructions on Hospitality (2 John 1:10-11):
The letter instructs the recipients not to welcome or offer hospitality to anyone who comes to them without bringing the teaching of Christ. Doing so would make them participants in the evil deeds of such individuals.

7. Conclusion and Final Greetings (2 John 1:12-13):
The elder expresses a desire to visit and speak with the recipients face to face to complete their joy. The letter concludes with greetings from the children of the elder's chosen sister, indicating a close relationship between the two families or communities.1. Truth (2 John 1:1)
- The theme of truth is central to 2 John. The letter opens with a greeting that emphasizes the importance of truth, which is understood as the teachings of Jesus Christ. The author expresses love for those who know the truth and highlights its enduring nature. Truth is portrayed as a guiding principle for the Christian life.

2. Love (2 John 1:5)
- Love is another significant theme, closely linked with truth. The author urges the recipients to love one another, which is described as a commandment they have had from the beginning. This love is not merely emotional but is demonstrated through actions and obedience to God's commandments.

3. Obedience to Commandments (2 John 1:6)
- Obedience to God's commandments is emphasized as a demonstration of love. The author reminds the recipients that walking in obedience to God's commands is essential for living in truth and love. This obedience is portrayed as a continuation of the teachings they have received.

4. Warning Against Deceivers (2 John 1:7)
- The letter warns against deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. These deceivers are described as antichrists, and the author cautions the recipients to be vigilant and not to be led astray by false teachings. This theme underscores the importance of discernment in maintaining the truth.

5. Abiding in the Doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9)
- The theme of abiding in the doctrine of Christ is crucial. The author stresses that anyone who does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Conversely, those who abide in this doctrine have both the Father and the Son. This theme highlights the necessity of adhering to the core teachings of Christianity.

6. Hospitality and Fellowship (2 John 1:10)
- The letter advises against offering hospitality to those who do not bring the true teaching of Christ. This theme reflects the early Christian community's concern for maintaining doctrinal purity and the potential dangers of supporting false teachers. It emphasizes the importance of discernment in fellowship and hospitality.1. Jesus Christ (2 John 1:3)
- Description: The name "Jesus Christ" is used to affirm both His humanity ("Jesus") and His divine anointing as the Messiah ("Christ"). This title emphasizes His role as the Savior and the Anointed One sent by God.
- Verse: "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."

2. The Son of the Father (2 John 1:3)
- Description: This title highlights the unique relationship between Jesus and God the Father, emphasizing His divine sonship and the intimate bond within the Trinity. It underscores His authority and divine origin.
- Verse: "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."

3. Christ (2 John 1:9)
- Description: The term "Christ" is used to denote Jesus as the Messiah, the anointed one who fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament. It signifies His role as the one who brings salvation and establishes God's kingdom.
- Verse: "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."

1. A Greeting from the Elder  ( 1:1⁠–⁠3 )

2. Walking in Truth: Love One Another  ( 1:4⁠–⁠6 )

3. Beware Deceivers  ( 1:7⁠–⁠11 )

4. Conclusion  ( 1:12⁠–⁠13 )