Daily Devotions
2 John
"To the elect lady and her children..."
Text: 2 John 1
A LOVE FOR TRUTH
The Apostle John was one of the original disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. From the lips of his beloved Teacher, John cultivated a deep love for truth. One of the earliest statements he made about the Lord Jesus Christ may be found in this text.
“For the law was given through Moses,
but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17
DEEPLY COMMITTED TO TRUTH
John was deeply committed to the truth that Jesus expounded. In his letters, whether they were long or short ones, his commitment to truth was evident.
“The Elder,
To the elect lady and her children,
whom I love in truth, and not only I,
but also all those who have known the truth.”
2 John 1
1. “The Elder”
a) The word “elder” may be used in a number of ways: –
i) It may be used to describe a church office (1 Timothy 3:1).
ii) A synonym for the word is “bishop” (Titus 1:5, 7).
iii) It may even be used to describe a person who is advanced in age (1 Timothy 5:1).
b) This was a title that was used widely.
i) The Apostle Peter also used this term to describe himself (1 Peter 5:1).
ii) John employed this term to describe himself in this personal letter.
2. “The elect lady”
a) This is most likely a notable person in the church.
b) Unfortunately, John did not disclose her name.
c) It is sometimes suggested that this was a cryptic title for “the church”.
3. “And her children”
a) If we take the first view, then this would be a natural reference to the lady’s children.
b) If we take the second view, then this would be a reference to the church members.
WHICH VIEW SHOULD WE ADOPT?
1. Second John as a personal letter
If we understand Second John as a personal letter, because this missive is so short, then the first view must be held.
2. Features of a personal letter
They are obviously there. There is brevity. There are personal elements. These features are confirmatory.