2 John

This is the shortest book in the Bible by word count, written on a single sheet of papyrus. John writes to "the chosen lady and her children," which is likely a code name for a local church. The message is a sharp warning about hospitality. In the ancient world, traveling teachers relied on staying in people's homes.

John warns them not to be too nice. He says if a teacher comes who denies Jesus' true teachings, "do not take him into your house or welcome him." It teaches that truth is just as important as love. While 2 John warns against welcoming the wrong people, the next letter warns against refusing to welcome the right people in 3 John.