63) The Book of 2nd John

SECOND JOHN is the second shortest book or epistle in the Bible. The letter contains 13 verses. The letter was addressed to a godly lady and her faithful children. The word lady is recorded four times in the Scriptures. Two occurrences refer to a wicked woman or nation (Isa. 47:1-9) and two refer to a godly woman who raised obedient children.

John warned this godly lady of the many deceivers of false religions because women are more susceptible to deception by the smooth words of false teachers (Gen. 3:13; Rom. 16:18; 2 Cor. 11:30, 1 Tim. 2:13-15; 4:7). Women tend to be more spiritual than men, but they also tend to be deceived because their attitude and emotions fluctuate with their monthly cycle. A wise woman understands and prepares for her emotional fluctuations with the stability of the written word of God, the Holy Ghost, and/or a godly husband (1 Tim. 2:13-15; 1 Peter 3:7).

Truth cannot be properly disseminated without exposing religious errors (1 John 4:1-6). A faithful pastor must expose and warn of false religions (1 Tim. 4:1-6). The prophets and Jesus Christ exposed heresies and hypocrisies (Isa. 30:8-13; Jer. 23:21; Ezek. 13:2; Amos 5:21-24; Mal. 2:1-8; Matt. 23; Mark 7:1-13; Luke 20:45-47). Paul and Peter exposed heretics and their false doctrines (Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:6-8; 1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:16-18; 2 Peter 3:17-18).

The doctrinal aim of the letter refers to the end times of many deceivers and antichrists, but spiritual discernment, discretion, and discrimination are necessary for spiritual growth during all the ages throughout history (Ps. 119:66; Prov. 2:11). Satan's most useful tools of deception are deceived prophets with a subtle misquotation of truth (1 Kings 13; Luke 4:9-11). Diligent shepherds warn their sheep from beasts ofprey (Ezek. 22:27; Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29).