Late in John's life there were a number of preachers and teachers traveling between churches or extending the work into new areas. Most of them went in full faith, carrying only what they had and precious little which God did not supply on the way. Unlike those John castigated as fakes, these would never make much of their supposed position to collect material goods, but gratefully accepted what came to them from the generosity of others. Thus, it was a significant ministry to host these traveling preachers. At about the same time he wrote to warn of false Gnostic and Talmudic teachers, he also sent these two personal notes to rather prominent hosts of many genuine preachers.
While John used symbolic phrases more than any New Testament author, there is nothing in 2 John to indicate this was anyone but some unnamed prominent woman of means. The whole message is very personal. After John's typical terse opening, he notes her sons were a good testimony in themselves. He then warns her to be careful about whom she allows to stay in her home, indicating she should converse with these people and find out what they teach. If it departs from what she knows is good teaching, she should turn them away. This way she avoids sharing in their sins.
To Gaius, John notes his church is famous for their generous support of the traveling preachers. They are careful to accept no gifts from pagan sources, unlike the Gnostics, but would rather do without if it does not come from fellow believers.
He then warns of a certain Diotrephes, who is trying to build a personal empire in the church. This man contradicts John's instructions, and would be called before the congregation when John came to visit. Not only does this fellow turn away John's fellow workers, but threatens ostracism of those who welcome them. Gaius is not to support this man. As a contrast, Demetrius -- probably the messenger carrying this letter -- is a good example of someone who serves in truth.
Both of these letters simply help to show the extent of the problem John had with Gnostics and other heretics. It's no wonder his other writings hint he felt a great darkness descending over the world, a time of tribulation for all the followers of Christ.
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By Ed Hurst
19 November 2011
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