Second John

John’s second epistle is addressed to the “elect lady and her children” (2 John 1). Possibly “lady” should be left as the feminine proper name “Kyria”; it is not, however, a reference to the church as some have suggested, for the church is not elected; individuals are.
Like the first, this epistle is concerned with the maintenance of the truth. John greatly rejoiced to find among her children those walking in truth (2 John 4). Again we have “that which we had from the beginning” (2 John 5). Here it is that we love one another; but the love that flows from God maintains the truth: “This is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 John 6). Many deceivers have gone out into this world; they are not to be received and must be rejected because of their doctrine (2 John 7-10). The affectionate and hospitable nature, especially that of a sister, could overstep its mark in receiving such an individual. John warns that we should not greet such a one (2 John 10). “God speed” in the Greek is the word “rejoice” and was used as a salutation; likewise, we should not encourage those who deny the person of the Lord, even with something as innocent as a greeting.