2 John 1  “…To the elect lady and her children…”
Apparently some debate on whether John wrote this to a person or to a church body.  The word translated lady is kyria which is a Greek term used for church.  John also closes with the children of your elect sister greet you which sounds like another church body.  However, the lady being a single person works also.  I don’t see anything from the text to help.

1  “…also all those who have known the truth”
In keeping with John’s statements in 1 John that true believers have love for one another.

3  “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you…”
Greeting like we see in Paul’s letters.

5  “…that we love one another”
Same message as 1 John.  Love one another as it shows our connection to Christ and fulfills His commandment to do so.

7  “…who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh…”
Another repeat of what he mentions in 1 John.  Getting the impression this may be to a person.  I would expect that his first letter would have been copied and sent to as many other churches as possible, eliminating the need for a specific one unless the church body was new.  So many variables.  At any rate, the big issue of deception seems to be the denial of Christ coming in the flesh or that Jesus was the divine Son of God.

8  “…but that we may receive a full reward”
Stay sharp.  Don’t let any deception in.  Make sure your works are of gold, silver, and precious stones, not wood, hay, or stubble.

11  “…he who greets him shares in his evil deeds”
Greeting isn’t just saying hello or simple contact association.  It refers to the common connection between true brethren.  If you know what the person is teaching is false, but still wish him well, you are joining him in his deception.  This is why I cannot respect other religions’ beliefs.  I recognize people’s right to believe as they choose, but I know what they believe is false.  I love those people as Christ said to and do not wish for them to end up in Hell.  Therefore, I must tell them the truth about their belief as any other than faith in Christ will mean their destruction.

12  “…that our joy may be full”
Joy from the personal contact as well as the chance to discuss issues.

13  “The children of your elect sister greet you”
As mentioned earlier, could be a sister or sister church.  If a sister, could be part of the reason for the letter, a personal connection.

I hope you enjoy reading and studying His word.  May it accomplish what He desires.  Please feel free to comment or post questions.  Thanks for reading!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.