1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth; 2 For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. (2 John 1:1-4 KJV)
Greeting the Elect Lady
The apostle here greets an honorable woman and her children (2 John 1:1-3). He commends their faith and love (2 John 1:4-5), warns them of deceivers (2 John 1:7), and urges them to be watchful (2 John 1:8). He instructs them on how to treat those who do not bring the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:10), and, leaving other matters for a personal visit, he closes the letter (2 John 1:12-13).
Ancient letters began, as here, with a greeting and good wishes: faith turns such formalities into real expressions of life and love.
The writer is unnamed but called “the elder.” The tone, style, and affection make it clear that this is the same writer as the previous epistle—John, now possibly the oldest living apostle and a leading elder in the church. He was aged in service and experience, having seen much of heaven and grown nearer to it.
He addresses a noble Christian woman and her children: “To the elect lady and her children.” A woman of status, well-born, well-educated, and well-off. It is a blessing when the gospel reaches such people. The phrase “elect lady” likely refers to one chosen by God. Her children, possibly making up the household if she was a widow, are included. Families should be encouraged in their love, order, and responsibilities. Children deserve mention in Christian letters, and it helps if they know it—encouragement and accountability can follow.
The apostle personally affirms his love for this family: “Whom I love in the truth,” sincerely and genuinely. He, the beloved disciple, had learned love and especially loved those who loved Christ.
He also notes that others who know the truth love them too: “Not only I, but also all who know the truth” (2 John 1:1). When virtue and godliness appear in a public life, they draw attention. True faith should be recognized and affirmed by others. The reason for this love is their commitment to the truth: “For the truth’s sake, which lives in us and will be with us forever” (2 John 1:2). Christian love is rooted in living faith. Those who love truth in themselves will love it in others. The apostle and others loved this woman not for her rank but for her devotion to Christ. Real faith should dwell continually in the heart and life, and where it truly lives, it endures.
The greeting is an apostolic blessing: “Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love” (2 John 1:3). Sacred love brings down blessings on this Christian household. These blessings are requested from God the Father—the source of all grace and goodness and The Lord Jesus Christ—the Son of the Father, the exact image of his person, who with the Father is eternal life (1 John 1:2).
And the blessings asked for are:
- Grace—God’s undeserved favor, the root of every blessing.
- Mercy—pardon and forgiveness, always needed even by those already blessed.
- Peace—peace of heart and mind, the fruit of reconciliation with God, and every good and sanctified gift. These are wished “in truth and love”—either meaning the sincerity of the apostle’s heart, or the goal of preserving truth and love in the family of the elect lady. May these blessings do so!
The apostle rejoices at the example of some of this woman’s children: “I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father” (2 John 1:4). Perhaps her sons had traveled for business or learning and met the apostle—possibly at Ephesus—and impressed him with their conduct. It is good to be raised in faith, and early training often protects young people from harm. Young travelers should carry their religion with them and not adopt bad habits from new places.
Here we also see that God’s grace sometimes runs through generations: an elect lady with elect children. Both are by God’s free grace. It is a great blessing when children follow their godly parents, and others may rightly congratulate those parents. It encourages thankfulness and increases their joy. How blessed this woman was, to raise children for God and heaven! And what joy it must have been to her to receive such praise from someone as discerning as the apostle.
It also brings joy to faithful ministers and mature believers to see a new generation growing up to serve God and carry on the faith when they are gone. Lastly, true Christian living follows this rule: “the commandment of the Father.” Our walk is right when it is guided by God’s Word.