“Look at the Book” is Bible Gateway’s series of short blog posts and infographics introducing you to the books of the Bible. Continuing themes from his first letter, John’s brief second letter urges believers to love each other as they are loved by Christ.
Scroll to the bottom if you’d prefer to see (and save) this article as an infographic. You’ll also find a handy 30-day reading guide. Or, for a challenge, you can do it in one week using the 7-day reading guide below.
Summary
A short letter warning against deceivers and emphasizing the commandment to love one another.
- Category: Epistle
- Theme: Discipleship
- Timeline: Written around AD 90-95
Key Verse
“This is love: that we live according to his commands. This is the command that you heard from the beginning: live in love.” — 2 John 6 (NIV)
Back to Basics
For John, the basics of Christianity are summarized by adherence to:
- Truth (v.4)
- Love (v. 5)
- Obedience (v. 6)
The main lesson of this book is that truth determines the bounds of love, and as a consequence, of unity. Truth must exist before love can unite, for truth generates love.
7 Day Reading Guide
Here’s a handy 7-day guide to the “catholic” epistles. (See 30-day reading guide below.)
Taking Advantage
The focus of 2 John is that the false teachers were conducting an itinerant ministry among John’s congregations, seeking to make converts, and taking advantage of Christian hospitality to advance their cause.
Access the rest of the series. Browse Bible studies for each book of the Bible. Or right-click on the infographic below to download and save the image for your reference.
Chris Fann is the Senior Digital Marketing Manager for Harper Christian Resources. He loves the smell ofa baseball glove, coffee, and old books. He lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, 2 teenage boys, and their dog, Freya.
