Reading for April 20th

 Read 2 John 1-13. The opening greeting has a standard letter format: from A to B, greeting. The elder was an authoritative leader (see 1 Peter 5.1) addressing the elect lady and her children, a symbolic reference to a local church and its members (see v. 13). Such a greeting often mentioned virtues of the persons addressed. Here the elder affirmed that he, and all who know the truth, truly love the addressees. The greeting, in the name of the Father and the Son, overlooks the Spirit (compare 1 Tin 1.2; 2 Tim 1.2) while stressing the reality of the relationship of the Father and the Son, again using the key themes of truth and love. In verses 4-6: reference to some of the children walking in the truth may indirectly reveal that the schisms of 1Jn 2,19 had affected this community also. The truth may be a reference to the christological confession; the command, (see 1 Jn 2.7-8; 5.3; Jn 13. 34). In verses 7-9: The many deceivers are like the false prophets and antichrist who deny the incarnation (see 1 Jn 2.18-23, 26; 3.7; 4.2-3, 6). The warning shows that the threat of the influence of the schismatics had not disappeared. Reference to going beyond the teaching of Christ suggests the schismatics were progressive in their teaching (see 1 Jn 1.1-4; 3.23). In verses 10-11: The warning against providing hospitality to the false teachers argues that to aid them is to assist in their mission (compare Tit 3.10). In verse 12: This conclusion is like that of 3 Jn 13-14. Stated preference for face to face contact is common. In verse 13: The elder greets his readers in the name of his own community. Comments or Questions..