Introduction to the Books of the Bible

· From the NIV Study Bible
· About the Book Introductions & Main Listing

Old Testament - Main Listing - Wisdom Literature - Minor Prophets Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Songs Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi New Testament -> Main Listing -> Synoptic Gospels -> Pastoral Letters -> General Letters ----------------------- Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

The Book of 2 John

• Author
• Date
• Occasion and Purpose
• Outline

Author

The author is John the apostle. Obvious similarities to 1 John and the Gospel of John suggest that the same person wrote all three books. Compare the following:

See Introductions to 1 John and the Gospel of John: Author.

Date

The letter was probably written about the same time as 1 John (a.d. 85–95), as the above comparisons suggest (see Introduction to 1 John: Date).

Occasion and Purpose

During the first two centuries the gospel was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. Believers customarily took these missionaries into their homes and gave them provisions for their journey when they left. Since Gnostic teachers also relied on this practice (see note on 3Jn 5), 2 John was written to urge discernment in supporting traveling teachers; otherwise, someone might unintentionally contribute to the propagation of heresy rather than truth.

Outline

• Greetings (1–3)
• Commendation (4)
• Exhortation and Warning (5–11)
• Conclusion and Final Greetings (12–13)

Discover the Benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity

• Significant tax benefits.
• A fixed income stream for life.
• The deep joy and satisfaction that comes from building God's Kingdom.

Visit International Bible Society Gift Planning for more information.