Christ, in 2nd John

The Second Epistle of John, attributed to the Apostle John, is a brief but theologically rich letter that emphasizes the essential truths about Christ. The portrayal of Christ in this letter centers on the importance of holding to the true doctrine of Christ and the implications of this for the life of the Christian community. Despite its brevity, 2 John provides significant insights into the identity and role of Christ and the necessity of adhering to the true teaching about Him.

Christ as the Truth

A key theme in 2 John is truth, with Christ being central to this concept. The letter opens with a greeting to "the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth" (2 John 1:1). John underscores that his love for them is rooted in the truth that abides in them, a truth that they have received through Jesus Christ. This emphasis on truth is crucial, as John associates truth with the person and work of Christ, who is the embodiment of divine truth.

The Commandment to Love

John reiterates the commandment to love one another, which he connects directly to the teachings of Christ. In 2 John 1:5-6, he writes, "And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments." This call to love one another is presented as a direct extension of Christ's own commandments, highlighting that true adherence to Christ involves living out His teachings, particularly the command to love.

The Doctrine of Christ

A central focus of 2 John is the adherence to the true doctrine concerning Christ. In 2 John 1:7, John warns against deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This warning is critical, as it addresses early heretical views, such as Docetism, which denied the true humanity of Christ. John’s insistence on the correct doctrine of Christ emphasizes the importance of acknowledging both His divinity and humanity. In 2 John 1:9, he further stresses that "everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son." This underscores that true fellowship with God is inseparable from holding to the correct teaching about Christ.

Guarding Against Deception

John's portrayal of Christ also involves a strong exhortation to guard against deception. In 2 John 1:8, he urges believers to "watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward." This vigilance is tied to maintaining the true teaching about Christ, indicating that faithfulness to Christ’s teaching is essential for spiritual integrity and reward.

Christ and Christian Hospitality

Finally, John advises against extending hospitality to those who do not bring the true teaching of Christ. In 2 John 1:10-11, he writes, "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works." This instruction underscores the seriousness with which John views the preservation of the true doctrine of Christ and the rejection of false teachers.

In summary, 2 John provides a focused and urgent portrayal of Christ as the embodiment of truth and the basis of Christian love and doctrine. The letter emphasizes the importance of adhering to the correct teaching about Christ's incarnation and warns against false teachings that undermine this truth. By upholding the true doctrine of Christ, believers maintain their fellowship with God and safeguard the integrity of their faith community.