Revised by Elisabeth Johnson, 12/23
1. Greeting and BlessingBlessing is the asking for or the giving of God’s favor. Isaac was tricked into blessing Jacob instead of his firstborn Esau. At the Last Supper Jesus offered a blessing over bread and wine. To be blessed is to be favored by God. More (2 John 1-3)
John greets the “elect lady” and opens with a blessing. The “elect lady” may refer to a prominent leader of the congregation or may be a poetic way of referring to the congregation itself.
2. Walking in the Truth (2 John 4-11)
John instructs the church to continue in the truth and love of Christ and to shun the false teachers who deny that JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God’s saving act for humanity. More came in the flesh.
3. Closing (2 John 12-13)
John ends his letter with a short note about his possible arrival in person.
