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Bible Commentaries
Utley's You Can Understand the Bible Utley Commentary
- 2 John
by Dr. Robert Utley
2 JOHN
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS*
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB | |
| Salutation | Greeting the Elect Lady | Introduction | Greetings | ||
| vv. 1-3 | vv. 1-3 | vv. 1-2 | vv. 1-3 | vv. 1-3 | |
| v. 2 John 1:3 | |||||
| Truth and Love | Walk in Christ's Commandments | Truth and Love | The Law of Love | ||
| vv. 2 John 1:4-11 | vv. 2 John 1:4-6 | vv. 2 John 1:4-6 | vv. 2 John 1:4-6 | vv. 2 John 1:4-5 | |
| v. 2 John 1:6 | |||||
| Beware of Antichrist Deceivers | The Enemies of Christ | ||||
| vv. 2 John 1:7-11 | vv. 2 John 1:7-11 | vv. 2 John 1:7-8 | vv. 2 John 1:7-11 | ||
| vv. 2 John 1:9-11 | |||||
| Final Greetings | John's Farewell Greeting | Final Words | |||
| vv. 2 John 1:12-13 | vv. 2 John 1:12-13 | v. 2 John 1:12 | v. 2 John 1:12 | v. 2 John 1:12 | |
| v. 2 John 1:13 | v. 2 John 1:13 | v. 2 John 1:13 |
* Although they are not inspired, paragraph divisions are the key to understanding and following the original author's intent. Each modern translation has divided and summarized the paragraphs. Every paragraph has one central topic, truth, or thought. Each version encapsulates that topic in its own distinct way. As you read the text, ask yourself which translation fits your understanding of the subject and verse divisions. In every chapter we must read the Bible first and try to identify its subjects (paragraphs), then compare our understanding with the modern versions. Only when we understand the original author's intent by following his logic and presentation can we truly understand the Bible. Only the original author is inspiredreaders have no right to change or modify the message. Bible readers do have the responsibility of applying the inspired truth to their day and their lives. Note that all technical terms and abbreviations are explained fully in the following documents: Brief Definitions of Greek Grammatical Structure, Textual Criticism, and Glossary.
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
2 John is obviously related to the message and literary style of 1 John. They are probably from the same author, written about the same time. It is typical of first century personal letters in that it was written in a set form and able to fit on one papyrus sheet.
As 1 John was written to several churches (and in a sense, all churches), 2 John is addressed to one local church and her leader (although, as most NT personal letters it was read to the whole church). It is a wonderful little window into the life of the first century church in Asia Minor (Turkey).
READING CYCLE ONE
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the entire biblical book at one sitting. State the central theme of the entire book in your own words.
1. Theme of entire book.
2. Type of literature (genre)
READING CYCLE TWO
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the entire biblical book at one sitting. Outline the main subjects and express the subject in a single sentence.
1. Subject of first literary unit
2. Subject of second literary unit
3. Subject of third literary unit
4. Subject of fourth literary unit
5. Etc.
READING CYCLE THREE
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. List the three tests found in 1 John that are repeated in 2 John.
a.
b.
c.
2. Is this letter written to a lady or to a church?
3. How do you know from this short letter that heretics were present in the congregation?
4. Who or what is the impostor and the antichrist of 2 John 1:7?
5. Are 2 John 1:10 and 11 a contradiction to the NT mandate to show hospitality and love even to our enemies?
