(A.D.85?) [A short personal letter to either a friend or a local Church to warn against the current threat of deceptive false teachers (Gnostics and others).] A disciple now seasoned in Christ's love and truth holds these as guidons for all, no matter what the circumstances are in life, but especially during challenging times when many are going about attempting to contaminate the doctrine of Christ in a manner not consistent with His commandment of love. John remembers well Jesus' words that set him free ("you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" - Jn.8:32) and was not about to stand idly by when that truth became threatened which would frustrate the freedom he and others already had experienced in the true doctrine of Christ. His was not an old idea that needed revamping by current thought in a modern world to remain relevant in changing times. On the contrary, during the pains of an adjusting and ever-changing world, it needs the more to be embraced and held to tightly. If Christ declared it finished ( Jn.17:4; 19:30; Heb.1), with nothing later to be amended, then it is the one thing that never changes ( Heb.13:8), offering security and comfort in any age. (It is interesting, yet sad, albeit tragic, to see at work even in our day their modern day version in the many who try to make Christ relevant to a secular world with their varied doctrines, liturgy, practices, methods, programs, entertainment, ad infinitum. When will preachers ever learn; it is the cross of Christ that draws men to Him! All that needs be is do as He says, lift Him above the clamor of the current culture, fads, and conventional wisdom of the day.) In fact, John offers a seething condemnation and sobering judgment to any who would do otherwise: plainly, he who does not abide (meaning -- remain, not change or alter, be faithful to the original, continue in that which established you in the first place) has not God! But, he that does, has both the Father and Son. Therefore, John cautions any not to associate with such, for that would compromise His doctrine, appear to lend credibility to the false, thus confuse the world to the true. He explains the brevity of his words in this letter, that he might speak more in detail when actually present in person. Salutations from those present with him, again either a sister to this friend, or a local Church currently serving.