John (the Elder)
Category: Endurance in truth & shepherding
Could avoid: Remain silent in old age.
“The elder, to the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth.” (2 John 1)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 1:1–3; 3 John 1.
Chose: To write, urging them to remain in truth and love.
“I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth.” (2 John 4)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 3:8; 3 John 4.
Endured: False teachers troubling the churches.
“Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world.” (2 John 7)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 4:1–3; Matthew 24:24.
Why: To protect believers from deception.
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 8)
Cross-Refs: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 10:35–36.
Result: Strengthened fellowship in truth and grace.
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ… will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 3)
Cross-Refs: Romans 16:20; Philippians 4:7.
The “Elect Lady and Her Children” (Believers/Church)
Category: Endurance in truth & love
Could avoid: Compromise with deceivers, abandon truth.
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.” (2 John 10)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 1:8–9; Titus 3:10.
Chose: Walk in truth and obedience to Christ’s commands.
“And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning: I ask that we love one another.” (2 John 5)
Cross-Refs: John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:11.
Endured: False teaching, need to discern and separate.
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” (2 John 9)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 7:15–16; 2 Peter 2:1.
Why: To remain faithful to Christ’s teaching.
“Whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9)
Cross-Refs: John 14:23; 1 John 2:24.
Result: Assurance of full reward and fellowship with God.
“Watch out… that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 8)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 3:11; 2 Timothy 4:8.
False Teachers (Negative Example)
Category: Failure of endurance in truth
Could avoid: Remain faithful to apostolic teaching.
“Many deceivers… have gone out into the world.” (2 John 7)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 2:18–19; Jude 4.
Chose (wrongly): Denied Christ’s incarnation.
“…such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist.” (2 John 7)
Cross-Refs: 1 John 2:22; 1 Timothy 4:1–2.
Endured: Spiritual corruption and leading others astray.
“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God.” (2 John 9)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 24:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:10.
Why (wrongly): Followed pride and false doctrine.
“Whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9)
Cross-Refs: Proverbs 14:12; Colossians 2:8.
Result: Loss of fellowship with God.
“Do not take them into your house or welcome them.” (2 John 10)
Cross-Refs: Galatians 5:4; Matthew 7:23.
Christian Endurance (Theological Theme)
Category: Endurance in truth & love
Could avoid: Lose truth, forsake love, welcome deceivers.
“This is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands.” (2 John 6)
Cross-Refs: John 14:15; 1 John 5:3.
Chose: Remain faithful to Christ’s teaching.
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.” (2 John 10)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 10:14; 2 Timothy 3:5.
Endured: Cultural hostility, theological deception.
“Many deceivers… have gone out into the world.” (2 John 7)
Cross-Refs: 2 Peter 3:3; 1 Timothy 4:1.
Why: To guard reward and eternal fellowship.
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for.” (2 John 8)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 12:1; Revelation 2:25.
Result: Grace, mercy, peace in truth and love.
“Grace, mercy and peace… will be with us in truth and love.” (2 John 3)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15.