Welcome, one and all who believe in the Lord. It is my honor to read with you today these two short but deeply significant letters: 2 John and 3 John.
Someone who identifies himself simply as “the Elder” (2 John 1:1; 3 John 1:1) writes both letters. This is less a formal title and more a relational one—something like “the old man” or “the aged one.” It reflects spiritual authority earned through a lifetime of faithfulness, not a position claimed by rank.
The Chosen Lady and the Question of a Name
John’s second letter opens with these words:
“To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever.” (2 John 1:1–2, NIV)
Who is this “chosen lady”?
Some modern scholars, such as Bart Ehrman, argue that this is a symbolic reference to a local church, possibly one in or near Ephesus. (1) Earlier commentators, including Matthew Henry, believed John was addressing a real woman—likely named Kyria, which in Greek simply means “lady.” (2) Johann Albrecht Bengel even suggested a possible Hebrew equivalent, Martha, though this view is far from common. (3)
But here’s the point: how much does the name actually matter?
As Romeo and Juliet famously ask:
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.” (4)
Whether this “lady” represents a household church or a faithful mother and her children, the substance of John’s message remains unchanged. The truth he is defending does not depend on labels.
Faith Becomes Personal
The third letter addresses Gaius (3 John 1:1), a common Roman name that appears several times in the New Testament (see Acts 19:29; Romans 16:23) Again, what stands out is not which Gaius this is, but that John is writing to an individual.
This strikes me most about these letters.
We’ve read many letters addressed to churches, regions, and entire communities of believers. But here, inspired by the Holy Spirit, John shows us what ministry truly looks like. While leading a church is a great responsibility—and I deeply respect those who do it—genuine ministry is always personal.
When I prepare a sermon, I may address a group, but I’m usually thinking about individuals I know and the struggles they’ve shared with me. God has always worked this way. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3:8). He spoke directly to Moses from a burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6). Later, access to Him became mediated through priests and the Holy of Holies.
Then Jesus came.
Truth Has a Name
Christ tore the veil (Matthew 27:51). Jesus Himself became our sacrifice and our access to God. What was once distant and ceremonial became direct and personal.
Therefore, John’s emphasis on truth matters so much.
Jesus told us plainly:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NIV)
Not a way.
Not a truth.
The Truth.
Truth is not merely an idea—it is a person. It was true in John’s day, and it remains true now.
Staying True in a Relativistic World
We live in a world that insists truth is relative: your truth versus my truth. But if two opposing claims contradict each other, at least one of them cannot be true—possibly neither.
Just as John spoke of walking in the light in 1 John, here truth functions like navigation. To “stay true” means to remain on course.
I’m reminded of a scene from The Big Bang Theory where Howard tells Leonard to “stay true” while guiding him. Leonard immediately runs into a pole. Howard calmly responds, “You didn’t stay true.” (5)
When we drift from the truth, the consequences are rarely theoretical—they’re painful.
Every year near Tucson, hikers wander off established trails and require rescue. Not because the path disappeared, but because they stopped following it.
Testing the Spirit and Holding the Line
John warns that some are actively trying to lead believers off course. In 2 John, he calls them deceivers who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh (2 John 1:7). In 3 John, he names one man—Diotrephes—who is causing division and rejecting apostolic authority (3 John 1:9–10).
John’s instruction is firm: do not welcome or endorse those who deny Christ (2 John 1:10–11).
Our culture calls this intolerant. Scripture calls it faithful.
When we read 1, 2, and 3 John together, we see a clear picture:
God desires a personal relationship with His people, and that relationship exists only in Christ. Any teaching that undermines this truth is not merely mistaken—it is harmful.
When challenged, we are to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). And once tested, we are to stay true—not drifting, not accommodating error, not wandering off the path.
Truth is not something we invent.
Truth is someone we follow.
Tomorrow, we will read Jude.
Footnotes
- Bart D. Ehrman, The New Testament: A Historical Introduction to the Early Christian Writings (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2016).
- Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible, Vol. 6 (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1991).
- Johann Albrecht Bengel, Gnomon of the New Testament, trans. Andrew R. Fausset (Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1860).
- William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II.
- William Prady and Chuck Lorre, The Big Bang Theory, television series, CBS, 2007–2019. Paraphrased scene involving Howard Wolowitz and Leonard Hofstadter used as an illustrative example.