The Salutation
T. Davies, M. A. 2 John 1:1-2 The elder to 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;… Present-day pressure has driven the good old style of epistolary writing out of the market. The Church of Christ has well-nigh forgotten the power of the pen. We intrust all teaching to the tongue and the press. Parents, ministers, and Sunday-school teachers may keep in touch with the hearts of their children and scholars by an occasional letter, brimful of holy thoughts and aspirations. I. THE PERSON WHO SALUTES. "The elder." Many of the best expositors have naturally inferred that the apostle used the term elder because it had become an appellative among the people owing to his old age. John was the only survivor of the wonderful Apostolic band. II. THE PERSONS SALUTED. "The elect lady and her children." 1. We know that she was a Christian. Elect in Christ Jesus is the full meaning, for the election of grace must not be separated from the means which bring it about. Salvation is not favouritism, but agreement. It is the effect that points to the cause, as the river reminds one of the source. This view of election is in harmony with human liberty and responsibility. 2. We know that she was a mother. With the cares of the household and anxiety about their children, mothers are often depressed. The truly pious mother is more anxious about the salvation of her children than about any other matter. 3. We know that she was a mother surrounded by her family. III. THE GROUND OF MUTUAL UNION. "Whom I love in truth." Everything tends to show that the "elect lady" was possessed of many embellishments such as society delights to recognise, and the worth of which the Apostle John would be the last to undervalue, and yet love for the truth is the only ground of affection which he acknowledges. Christian love can only be excited by character built upon Divine truth. IV. THE DEVOUT INVOCATION. "Grace, mercy, peace, shall be with us," etc. V. THE SOURCE OF ALL BLESSING. "From God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father." VI. THE FINAL CONDITION. "In truth and love." (T. Davies, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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; WEB: The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth;