In the first two centuries, the message of Christ was taken from place to place by traveling evangelists and teachers. It was common for Christians to welcome these missionaries into their homes and to provide them with added support for their ongoing ministries. Since false teachers also relied on this custom, John wrote this letter to caution "the chosen lady" to use discernment in welcoming traveling ministers into her home and giving them support. John warned the believers so that they would not, through ignorance, find themselves supporting teachers whose message was not consistent with the original and true teaching of Christ and of those He commissioned to deliver His message. In this letter, John refutes the same false teachers that he condemns in 1 John.
Three major features characterize this letter. It is the shortest book in the New Testament. It is strikingly similar to 1 & 3 John in its message, vocabulary and simple writing style. It provides an important balance to the message of 3 John (which encourages supporting faithful ministers and missionaries) by advising caution concerning the support of ministers not known by or belonging to one's own congregation. John urges church members to carefully evaluate teachings by how they measure up to the original teachings of Christ and His personally appointed messengers before supporting ministers who bring the teachings.
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