(2 John Introduction)

THE STUDY:

The introduction to Second John we are going to look at the similarities of all three letters. As in 1 John, a significant literary feature is the use of relational language. The elder uses affectionate terms (“chosen lady,” v 1; “dear lady,” v 5; and “chosen sister,” v 13). Believers are called “children” (vv 1, 4, 13). The divine characters mentioned include the “Father” (vv 3, 4, 9) and the “Son” (vv 3, 9). The absence of “brother” is a bit curious. It occurs thirteen times in 1 John and three times in 3 John. No personal names appear in 2 John, although the recipients seem well known to the elder, who remains unnamed.

There are two items we need to look at as we approach the study of Second John: “Chosen Lady” and “the Elder.” 1) Chosen Lady can be viewed in two ways: Symbolic and Literal. Numerous interpreters understand the phrase “chosen lady” (v 1) as a symbolic personification for the church. The OT sometimes refers to Israel with similar personified language. Jerusalem was compared to an abandoned child, left to die by the side of the road (Ezek 16:1–14).

It is further possible that the “chosen lady” was a woman who provided the space for a house church. John may have been writing to an important female house-church host.

2) Who is “the elder” (presbyteros, v 1; also 3 John 1)? In the Gospels and the early part of Acts, “elders” refers to Jewish leaders. Midway through Acts, the term begins to refer to leaders in churches. The latter elders were appointed to manage the affairs of the church (1 Tim 5:17; Titus 1:5) and lead in ministry (1 Tim 4:14; Jas 5:14; 1 Pet 5:1). There is no first-century evidence that elders in one church had jurisdiction over other congregations. The title later assumed this supervisory force. But second-century church order should not be read back into a first-century text.^[1]

WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY WITH ….

• We walk away with the understanding that as we enter into this study of Second John we need to have a clear understanding of these terms. Any discussion of 2 John must address the issue of hospitality to traveling ministers. The theological and practical significance is large. Welcoming itinerant preachers with lodging and food made the hosts partners in their work (3 John 6).^[2]

CONCLUSION:

          As we approach this study this week let us reflect on hospitality. St. John Chrysostom once said, “The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” Are we being all that Christ wants us to be when it comes to others? Great questions to think about.  

Blessings my friends

Pastor Rod

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^[1] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (180–181). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.

^[2] Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3 John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary (181). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.