2 John 1:13

2 John 1:13 concludes this brief but significant New Testament epistle with a personal greeting, reinforcing the themes of Christian fellowship and truth.

Context

This verse serves as the closing salutation of the Second Epistle of John, written by "the elder" (traditionally the Apostle John) to "the elect lady and her children." The epistle's primary purpose is to warn against false teachers (specifically those denying the true humanity and divinity of Christ) and to exhort believers to walk in truth and love, according to God's commandments. Verse 13 brings the letter to a close, much like a postscript or a personal note at the end of a modern letter, extending a greeting from another part of the Christian community.

Key Themes

• Christian Fellowship and Connection: The greeting from the "children of thy elect sister" highlights the interconnectedness of believers across different locations. It underscores the idea of a universal spiritual family bound by faith in Christ.
• Divine Election: The repeated use of "elect" (eklektos in Greek, meaning "chosen" or "selected") points to God's sovereign choice of His people. It emphasizes the special bond and shared identity among those who are called by God. This theme resonates with other New Testament passages discussing God's choosing of believers before the foundation of the world.
• Apostolic Benediction: Like many New Testament epistles, 2 John concludes with a personal touch, conveying warmth and solidarity. These greetings were vital in the early church for maintaining communal ties and affirming the spiritual unity of believers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "thy elect sister" has been interpreted in two primary ways:

• Literal Sister: Some scholars believe this refers to John's actual sister, or the literal sister of the "elect lady" (the recipient), who also had children who were believers.
• Another Church/Community: More commonly, "the elect sister" is understood metaphorically as another Christian church or community, just as "the elect lady" herself is often interpreted as a local congregation. In this view, the greeting comes from the children of another church, emphasizing the solidarity between distinct assemblies of believers. The term eklektos ("elect") reinforces their status as chosen by God.

Practical Application

Even a brief closing verse like 2 John 1:13 carries profound meaning for believers today:

• Value of Christian Community: It reminds us that we are part of a larger family of faith. The greetings from distant believers emphasize the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
• Spiritual Bonds: Our shared faith creates a bond that transcends geographical distance, cultural differences, and even time. We are connected by our common election and our love for Christ.
• Personal Connection: This verse highlights the value of personal greetings and connections in building and maintaining relationships within the church. It encourages us to acknowledge and affirm our brothers and sisters in Christ. As seen in other epistles, such as 3 John 1:14, these personal notes were a vital part of early Christian communication.