The letters called 2 John and 3 John are very short. But they are still very important. The writer of the book calls himself ‘the elder*’. Most people believe that John wrote these two letters. He used many of the same words that appear in the gospel* of John and the letter called 1 John. These two letters talk about many of the same things that 1 John talks about. People should love God and love other people. People should obey God’s commands. People should walk in the way of the truth.

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John wrote these letters in a very personal way. He loved the people that he wrote to. He wanted them to have joy. He wanted them to have grace* and mercy* and peace*. And he did not want them to be fooled by false teachers.

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So John warned them. Watch out for people who tried to fool you. They would say that Jesus did not come in a body. People like that were the enemies of Jesus. Do not let them fool you.

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‘Dear friend, do not be like those who do evil*. Be like those who do good. Anyone who does what is good belongs to God. Anyone who does what is evil* has not really seen or known God.’ [1]

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Some people in the church* were good examples to follow. [2] And some people were bad examples. [3] John wanted them to be careful to know the difference. They must welcome people who told the truth about Jesus. They must not listen to people who did not.

 

[1] 3 John 11

[2] 3 John 6; 3 John 12; see 1 John 2:7; 2 John 5

[3] 3 John 9