What can we learn about early church relationships from 2 John 1:13? The Closing Greeting in Context 2 John opens with “the elect lady and her children” (v. 1) and closes with “The children of your elect sister greet you” (v. 13). John finishes exactly where he began—within the language of family. Immediate Observations from v. 13 • “Children” and “sister” are family terms, highlighting relationships formed by new birth in Christ (John 1:12). • A different household of believers knows and cares enough to send greetings, revealing active communication among congregations. • The brevity of the verse does not diminish its warmth; affection is assumed and practiced without lengthy explanation. Family Language: God’s Household • Ephesians 2:19—“You are… members of God’s household.” • 1 Timothy 5:1–2—treat older men as fathers, younger women as sisters. • Such imagery is not poetic flourish; it is literal reality for those born of the Spirit (John 3:3–8). Unity Across Congregations • 1 Peter 5:13—“She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings.” • Romans 16:16—“All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” • Early believers saw themselves as one church in many locations, not isolated assemblies. This unity expressed itself in: – Exchanging letters (Colossians 4:16) – Financial support (2 Corinthians 8:1-4) – Prayer for one another (Ephesians 6:18-19) Personal Connections and Hospitality • 3 John 5—Gaius praised for welcoming traveling brothers. • Acts 16:15—Lydia opens her home to Paul’s team. • The greeting of v. 13 implies that believers had met face-to-face or hosted each other recently; friendship was nurtured through real visits, not merely written words. Accountability and Mutual Care • The “elect sister” evidently shares John’s concern about false teachers (vv. 7–11). Her children’s greeting carries tacit endorsement of John’s warning. • Galatians 6:1–2—bear one another’s burdens, restore the erring. • A networked church could confront error collectively, not leaving a single congregation to stand alone. What We Can Live Out Today • Speak and think of fellow believers as literal family; it shapes attitude and action. • Maintain contact with other congregations—letters, calls, shared projects mirror the first-century pattern. • Value short, sincere gestures (a greeting, a note) as legitimate ministry. • Keep hospitality open; the early church’s living rooms often hosted worship, travelers, and gospel strategy. • Stand together for truth; doctrinal vigilance is most effective when churches collaborate, just as John and the “elect sister” did. |
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