{"id":44031,"date":"2019-03-20T18:56:39","date_gmt":"2019-03-20T15:56:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=44031"},"modified":"2025-05-04T23:04:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-04T20:04:46","slug":"44031","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/03\/20\/44031\/","title":{"rendered":"The Elect Lady: A Theological Reflection on 2 John"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Introduction<\/strong>
While 1 John<\/strong> addresses the general body of believers, 2 John<\/strong> and 3 John<\/strong> are more personal epistles written to individuals. Despite their brevity (each being one chapter), they are densely packed with theological truths, pastoral concern, and ethical instruction.<\/p>\n

In 3 John<\/strong>, the Apostle John writes to Gaius<\/strong>, commending his hospitality and generosity towards traveling ministers:<\/p>\n

\n

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” \u2014 3 John 1:2 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This verse is widely quoted today, often without understanding its context. It is not a blanket promise to all believers, but rather a personal prayer to a man known for his faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to the truth (3 John 1:3-6). His prosperous soul was evident in his spiritual maturity and tangible service to the Church.<\/p>\n

John’s blessing on Gaius invites us to examine whether we too live in such a way that would elicit this kind of apostolic commendation.<\/p>\n

\n

The Epistle of 2 John: Who Is the \u201cElect Lady\u201d?<\/strong>
2 John opens as follows:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:1 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

There is some debate among scholars whether \u201cthe elect lady\u201d refers to an actual Christian woman and her literal children, or metaphorically to a local church and its members. Given the personal tone and closing remarks (v. 13: \u201cThe children of your elect sister greet you\u201d), a strong case can be made that this is a letter to a godly woman, known to John, who raised her children in the truth.<\/p>\n

This passage provides a framework to examine what it means to be an \u201celect\u201d woman of God\u2014chosen by grace (Ephesians 1:4-5), living in truth, love, and discernment.<\/p>\n

\n

1. Raising Children in the Truth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cI rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:4 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The word truth<\/em> here (Greek: al\u0113theia<\/em>) refers to the revealed reality of God through Christ and Scripture (John 14:6; John 17:17). The Apostle John rejoices not over achievements or status, but that this woman\u2019s children are living according to divine truth.<\/p>\n

This reflects the principle in Proverbs 22:6<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTrain up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.\u201d \u2014 ESV<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

And in Ephesians 6:4<\/strong>, Paul commands:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This responsibility also extends to mothers (cf. 2 Timothy 1:5<\/strong>), as Timothy\u2019s faith was first nurtured by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois.<\/p>\n

Today, many Christian parents prioritize academic success over spiritual formation. Yet, from God’s perspective, walking in truth is the highest success.<\/p>\n

\n

2. Walking in Love<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cAnd now I ask you, dear lady\u2014not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning\u2014that we love one another.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:5 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Biblical love (agap\u0113<\/em>) is not merely emotional affection but a self-sacrificing, God-centered, covenantal commitment. This command echoes Jesus\u2019 teaching:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThis is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.\u201d \u2014 John 15:12 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

True love flows from abiding in Christ (John 15:9-10). It’s patient, kind, and free of envy or pride (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). An elect woman is one whose love is rooted in God’s truth\u2014not sentimentalism, gossip, or emotional manipulation.<\/p>\n

John warns against mere lip-service Christianity and emphasizes practical obedience:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFor this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.\u201d \u2014 1 John 5:3 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This means a woman walking in love will be prayerful, Spirit-led, forgiving, and Christlike in speech and conduct (Galatians 5:22-23).<\/p>\n

\n

3. Guarding Against Deception<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n

\u201cFor many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:7 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

In the first-century context, John was addressing early forms of Gnosticism<\/strong>, which denied the incarnation\u2014that Christ came in the flesh. This is not a minor error, but a denial of the core of the Gospel (John 1:14; Philippians 2:6-8; Hebrews 2:14).<\/p>\n

Today, deception takes many forms\u2014prosperity gospel, hyper-grace teachings, motivational sermons void of repentance, and watered-down theology. John urges believers:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWatch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:8 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Discernment is not optional. Paul also warns in 2 Timothy 4:3-4<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFor the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching… and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The Apostle gives a stern command:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cIf anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting.\u201d \u2014 2 John 1:10 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This implies a line must be drawn between hospitality and endorsing false doctrine. Spiritual women are called to protect their homes and hearts from theological pollution.<\/p>\n

\n

Conclusion: The Call to Confirm Your Election<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term \u201celect\u201d reminds us that salvation is by grace through faith<\/strong> (Ephesians 2:8), yet the New Testament repeatedly urges believers to confirm their election through holy living:<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTherefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.\u201d \u2014 2 Peter 1:10 (ESV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For the modern woman who desires to be counted among God\u2019s elect, the call is clear:<\/p>\n