Second John is the only epistle in Scripture addressed to a woman. First John has laid down the blessed principles of light, or truth, and of love revealed in the Person of the Son of God. Now this epistle emphasizes the truth as necessary to be maintained faithfully, even by a gentle, tenderhearted woman.

Many deceivers were then circulating everywhere, and Satan’s chief target was the home. He would especially appeal to the courteous, responsive nature of women. Though John intended soon to visit there, yet God required him to write without delay. This godly woman must be protected from such insidious wickedness. Such deceivers are multiplied today, who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. His eternal Deity and His true, pure humanity are vital matters. If one goes forward in this respect, claiming to have advanced truth and knowledge over what is revealed in the Person of Christ, that one “does not have God” (v. 9).

Many of this class today, so-called Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and many others, seek to enter homes with their subtle and deadly doctrines. Not only was the “elect lady” to refuse them entry, but she was not to give them a common greeting. For even such a greeting would link her with their evil deeds. She must not show love to evil; for love must be “in truth.” This is a strong example of the doctrine of associations. She did not have to believe the false doctrine to be associated with it, if she associated with the person bringing it.

Let us also solemnly abhor such evil and detach ourselves totally from it, in true devotion to Him who is “the Son of the Father, in truth and love” (v. 3).