UNDERSTAND THE STORY
The big picture.
- AUTHORSHIP
- The writer identifies himself as the elder; traditionally John.
- DATE & SETTING
- Often dated AD 80–100.
- CENTRAL THEME
- Walk in truth and love with discernment.
The elder writes to an elect lady and her children, possibly a way of addressing a congregation. Love and truth are inseparable, and the church should continue in the teaching of Christ. Hospitality must not become uncritical support for deceptive teaching. This short letter invites discernment without abandoning care for people, and it closes with a preference for the joy of face-to-face conversation.
WORDS TO CARRY WITH YOU
Read. Return. Remember.
“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments.”
2 John 1:6 · KJV · excerpt
Read each verse in its surrounding passage. A key verse is an invitation into the story.
WHERE STUDY BECOMES PRACTICE
Live it.
Choose one step for today. Small, faithful actions matter.
- 01
Check a teaching against the wider witness of Scripture.
- 02
Set a wise boundary around what you promote.
- 03
Make time for a thoughtful conversation beyond quick messages.
PAUSE & REFLECT
A little room for your response.
Let this be a beginning.
Mark your study, return to the Scripture, and carry one faithful step into your day.
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An original SELAH37 study introduction. Historical dates and attributions are approximate and debated. Scripture: King James Version. Sources & translation notes.