# Introduction to 2 John #

## Part 1: General Introduction ##

#### Outline of the Book of 2 John ####

1. Greeting (1:1-3)
1. Encouragement and the greatest commandment (1:4-6)
1. Warning about false teachers (1:7–11)
1. Greetings from fellow believers (1:12-13)

#### What is the Book of 2 John about? ####

John addressed this letter to someone he called "the chosen lady" and to "her children" (1:1). This could be a reference to a specific friend and her children, or it may refer to a church, a group of believers, in a specific place or everywhere. John's purpose in writing this letter was to encourage the believers and to warn them of false teachers who were taking advantage of their kindness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

 
#### How should the title of this book be translated? #### 

Translators may choose to call this book by its traditional title, "2 John" or "Second John." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "The Second Letter from John" or "The Second Letter John Wrote." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

#### Who wrote the Book of 2 John? ####

The letter of 2 John was probably written by the Apostle John near the end of his life. John does not identify himself as the author; instead, he calls himself "the elder." The content of 2 John closely resembles the content found in John's Gospel.

## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts ##

#### What is hospitality? ####

Hospitality was an important concept in the Ancient Near East. It was important to be friendly towards a foreigner or outsiders and provide help to them if they needed it. John distinguishes between offering hospitality towards a well-meaning guest and giving help to a false teacher who opposes the Christian faith. 

#### Who were the people John spoke against? ####

It is possible that the people John spoke against were those who would eventually become known as "Gnostics." These people believed that Jesus was completely God but that he was not really a human with a physical body on earth. They believed this because they viewed the physical world as evil. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]])