The children of your elect sister
This 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.

1. The Apostle John
The 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 Lady
The 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 Sister
Mentioned 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 Children
Refers 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 Church
The broader context in which this letter was written, characterized by house churches and a strong sense of community among believers.The Importance of Christian Fellowship
The 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 Christ
The 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 Faith
The 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 Believers
The 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 Persecution
The 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.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 ...

The
τὰ (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.

children
τέκνα (tekna)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.

of your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

elect
ἐκλεκτῆς (eklektēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1588: From eklegomai; select; by implication, favorite.

sister
ἀδελφῆς (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.


2 John 1:13 NIV
2 John 1:13 NLT
2 John 1:13 ESV
2 John 1:13 NASB
2 John 1:13 KJV

2 John 1:13 BibleApps.com
2 John 1:13 Biblia Paralela
2 John 1:13 Chinese Bible
2 John 1:13 French Bible
2 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)