The children of your elect sisterThis phrase refers to the members of a Christian community or church, metaphorically described as "children." The term "elect" signifies those chosen by God, emphasizing the divine selection and calling of believers. The "sister" likely represents another local church or congregation, suggesting a familial relationship between different Christian communities. This reflects the early church's interconnectedness and mutual support. The use of familial language underscores the unity and love that should characterize the body of Christ, as seen in other New Testament writings (e.g.,
1 Peter 5:13).
send you greetings.
The act of sending greetings was a common practice in ancient letters, serving to strengthen bonds and express fellowship. This greeting signifies the affection and solidarity among early Christians, transcending geographical boundaries. It highlights the importance of community and encouragement within the church, as seen in other epistles where greetings are exchanged (e.g.,Romans 16:16). This practice reflects the cultural norms of the time, where personal connections and hospitality were highly valued. The greeting serves as a reminder of the spiritual kinship shared by believers, rooted in their common faith in Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The Apostle JohnThe author of the letter, traditionally identified as John the Apostle, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples. He is known for his deep theological insights and emphasis on love and truth.
2.
The Elect LadyThe recipient of the letter, possibly a metaphor for a local church or a specific woman of faith. The term "elect" signifies chosen by God, highlighting her esteemed status in the Christian community.
3.
The Elect SisterMentioned in the closing of the letter, likely referring to another church or a literal sister of the elect lady. This indicates a close relationship and shared faith between the two entities.
4.
The ChildrenRefers to the members of the elect sister's community or the literal children of the elect sister, emphasizing the familial and communal nature of early Christian relationships.
5.
The Early ChurchThe broader context in which this letter was written, characterized by house churches and a strong sense of community among believers.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Christian FellowshipThe greeting from the elect sister's children underscores the value of maintaining connections within the body of Christ. Believers are encouraged to foster relationships with other Christians, both locally and globally.
Understanding Our Identity in ChristThe term "elect" reminds us of our identity as chosen by God. This should inspire confidence and a sense of purpose in our daily walk with Christ.
The Role of Family in FaithThe mention of children highlights the role of family in nurturing faith. Christian parents and communities are called to disciple the next generation, ensuring the continuity of faith.
Unity Among BelieversThe mutual greetings reflect the unity and love that should characterize the Church. Believers are encouraged to support and pray for one another, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries.
Encouragement in PersecutionThe early church faced persecution, and such greetings would have been a source of encouragement. Today, believers can draw strength from the global Christian community, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 John 1:13?
2.How does 2 John 1:13 emphasize the importance of Christian fellowship and community?
3.What can we learn about early church relationships from 2 John 1:13?
4.How does 2 John 1:13 connect with other New Testament teachings on love?
5.How can we apply the message of 2 John 1:13 in our church today?
6.What role does family play in spreading the truth, as seen in 2 John 1:13?
7.What is the significance of "The children of your elect sister" in 2 John 1:13?
8.How does 2 John 1:13 relate to the concept of Christian fellowship?
9.Why is the closing of 2 John addressed to "the elect sister"?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 John 1?
11.Who is the elect lady mentioned in 2 John?
12.What evidence challenges the identity of the “elect lady” in 2 John 1:1—whether she is a metaphor for the church or a specific individual?
13.Who is Al-Masih ad-Dajjal in Islamic eschatology?
14.Who is the Antichrist according to the Bible?What Does 2 John 1:13 Mean
The children• John closes his brief letter by mentioning “the children,” immediately reminding us that family language is central to Christian identity (2 John 1:1;1 John 3:1).
• Taken literally, these children are the offspring—physical or spiritual—of the “elect sister.” Scripture often uses the title “children” for believers as well (Galatians 3:26: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”).
• Calling them “children” underlines innocence and dependence, echoing Jesus’ own words inMark 10:14: “Let the little children come to Me…,” stressing the humility and sincerity God values in His people.
Of your elect sister• “Elect” highlights God’s sovereign choice, paralleling2 John 1:1, where the main recipient is the “elect lady.” Peter uses similar wording in1 Peter 1:1, addressing “the elect.”
• “Sister” stresses the unity of the church family. Paul speaks the same way inRomans 16:1–2 when he commends “our sister Phoebe.”
• Whether this sister is an individual believer or a local congregation personified, the literal sense remains: she is chosen by God and closely related to the recipients through Christ (Ephesians 2:19: “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.”).
Send you greetings• Ancient letters often ended with personal salutations (Romans 16:16;1 Peter 5:13: “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings”). John follows that pattern, anchoring the letter in real relationships.
• These greetings affirm living fellowship. As Paul writes in1 Corinthians 12:26, “If one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
• The verb “send” signals active love: not mere formality but genuine concern, showing believers’ commitment to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24–25).
summaryJohn’s final line unites doctrine and affection. Real children of a real, God-chosen sister extend greetings, displaying the family bond created by the Father’s electing grace. Their simple message wraps the epistle in warmth and reminds us that truth and love travel together from household to household, heart to heart, across the body of Christ.
Verse 13. -
The children of thine elect sister salute thee. Why the change from "you"
πρὸς ὑμᾶς in verse 12 to" thee"
σε here, if the letter is addressed to a community? The change is very intelligible if "you" means "thee and thy family," and "thee" means "thee in particular." The elect sister herself sends no greeting, because she does not live, as these children of hers do, near the apostle; perhaps she is dead. This message to the elect lady from her sister's children is, perhaps, intended as a delicate intimation that they know why the elder is writing, and join in his affectionate warning. "The last sentences of this letter to the elect lady remind us that it is what it professes to be - a letter to a friend; that the friendship was the more natural and human because it was grounded on the truth; and that other ladies also elect were, like this one, not nuns, but mothers" (Maurice). The concluding" Amen" at the end of this Epistle, as at the end of most of the Epistles, is spurious. Galatians, and perhaps 2 Peter, seem to be the only instances in which the "Amen" is genuine.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Theτὰ(ta)Article - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.childrenτέκνα(tekna)Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043:A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.of yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.electἐκλεκτῆς(eklektēs)Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1588:From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.sisterἀδελφῆς(adelphēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 79:A sister, a woman (fellow-)member of a church, a Christian woman. Fem of adephos; a sister.send you greetings.Ἀσπάζεταί(Aspazetai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 782:To greet, salute, pay my respects to, welcome. To enfold in the arms, i.e. to salute, to welcome.
Links
2 John 1:13 NIV2 John 1:13 NLT2 John 1:13 ESV2 John 1:13 NASB2 John 1:13 KJV
2 John 1:13 BibleApps.com2 John 1:13 Biblia Paralela2 John 1:13 Chinese Bible2 John 1:13 French Bible2 John 1:13 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 2 John 1:13 The children of your chosen sister greet (2J iiJ 2Jn ii jn 2 jo)