There are five of the sixty-six books in the Bible which contain just one chapter. Some books have over 30,000 words in them, but all five of these books contain a total of less than 3,000 words! As you read these shorter books, think about why they are included in the Bible. Do not overlook such great truths that our Father gave in them to us. The Bible completely furnishes us (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and if these books were not included, we could not be supplied with all we need. Let’s take time to look at the book of Second John which has only 13 verses.
As you begin reading the book, you do not have to know for certain if the elect lady is a reference to one particular person or is the bride of Jesus to see the emphasis in the beginning verses. The word “truth” is found five times in the first four verses. As you read, realize that these verses show that there is truth and that it can be known. That knowledge of the truth is then manifested in our lives after we know it. We walk in that truth. At the time of the writing of this book, there were spiritual gifts like knowledge and prophecy within the church. Even after the gifts ceased, truth would abide, and it would be with them forever. Truth at first was in inspired men but continues in an inspired book. Since the church began, children of God have known the truth, and they walk in it.
John then turns his attention to the importance of understanding love. Grace, mercy and peace are tied to truth and love (v. 2). That love was known from the beginning of their relationship with the Lord and His commandment. It has two primary applications. We must love each other (v. 5) and then love the truth. We cannot understand what love is unless we are walking according to His commandments.
There is then a warning about the fact that many, not just a few, deceivers are in the world who will attempt to lead men away from His commandments. There is the strong admonition to watch for and be on the lookout for these teachers, lest we lose our salvation (v. 8). “Whoever” can be the teachers or those who follow them, who lose their relationship with both the Father and the Son (v. 9). We cannot be part of encouraging such teachers (vs. 10-11).
This short letter ends showing just how much John, the apostle of love, truly loves the elect. He longed to see them, and there was an expectation that soon he would be with them to spend time talking personally with them. The result of such time with them was joy in the heart of John and in those he expected to see. John sends his greetings to them and includes the greeting from those who were with him.
Take time to read this shortest book in the Bible to see the way we are all changed with Christ in our lives.
-Dan Jenkins
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