The smallest letters in the entire New Testament are the two and three that are named after John. “The Elder” was the author of them. The apostle John is most likely the author of these letters based on the style of writing, their canonical position, and their content. John identifies as a “elder.” Within the nascent Christian communities, these [elders served as leaders]. These letters were most likely written by John while he was employed at Ephesus near the conclusion of his life.
2 John
2. To “the elect lady and her children,” John is addressing himself. John frequently utilizes the plural in the epistle, as in 2 John 1:5, “let us love one another,” therefore it is likely that he is referring to a local congregation when he employs these terms. Furthermore, the Bible frequently uses the concept of a woman as Christ’s congregation. “The children of your elect sister greet you,” John wrote in a letter from a different congregation (2 John 1:13).
In 2 John, as in John’s Gospel and [John’s first letter], truth and love are paramount. It is expected of the “lady” to walk in love and truth. She needs to use extreme caution to avoid being misled by people who have left the world and turned away from the truth. These liars have neither God nor the teachings of Christ with them. Such liars should not be welcomed by the lady, or else she may be unfavorably influenced. John is plenty of things to say, but he would rather talk about them than write them down. Consequently, he ends the letter with the previously stated greeting.
3 John
Gaius is the recipient of the third letter sent by John in the Bible. This letter is filled with references to particular individuals and circumstances, whereas the second letter had a more generic theme. Sadly, neither Gaius’s identity nor the circumstances of his life are known to us. Nevertheless, this letter teaches us some crucial lessons. John begins by complimenting Gaius for accepting traveling missionaries. He is [advancing the cause of the gospel] by doing this: 3 John 1:8 states, “Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.”
But there are also those who are opposed to the truth, like Diotrephes, who uses depraved rhetoric to malign the true apostles. John gives Gaius a warning about Diotrephes but praises Demetrius. John concludes the letter by saying, “I had much to write to you, but I would rather not write with pen and ink. I want to see Gaius soon.” I’m hoping to see you soon so we can have in-person conversations. I hope you find peace. Your pals give you a greeting. Give each friend a personalized greeting.3 John 1:13–15.
Lessons for us
- Being hospitable is a Christian obligation, but watch out for inviting liars into your house.
- A Christian’s life must constantly include truth, obedience, and love.
