The term "Elect Lady" appears in the New Testament, specifically in the Second Epistle of John. This brief letter is addressed to "the elect lady and her children," a phrase that has intrigued scholars and theologians throughout the centuries. The identity of the "elect lady" has been the subject of much debate, with interpretations ranging from a specific individual to a metaphorical representation of a church congregation.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the "Elect Lady" is found in 2 John 1:1, which states: "The elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—" . The letter continues with exhortations to love one another and warnings against deceivers who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.

Interpretations:

1. Literal Interpretation:
· Some scholars and theologians suggest that the "elect lady" was a real, historical person, possibly a prominent Christian woman who hosted a house church. The term "elect" signifies her chosen status by God, reflecting her faith and leadership within the early Christian community. Her "children" could refer to her biological offspring or members of her household who were believers.

2. Metaphorical Interpretation:
· Another interpretation posits that the "elect lady" symbolizes a local church or the collective body of believers. In this view, the "children" are the members of the congregation. This metaphorical understanding aligns with the biblical tradition of personifying cities or groups as women, as seen in other scriptural passages.

Theological Significance:

The address to the "elect lady" emphasizes themes of truth, love, and vigilance against false teachings. The letter underscores the importance of adhering to the teachings of Christ and maintaining unity in love and truth. The use of the term "elect" highlights the concept of divine election, a theme prevalent throughout the New Testament, which speaks to God's sovereign choice and the believer's response in faith.

Historical Context:

The Second Epistle of John is traditionally attributed to the Apostle John, often identified as John the Elder. Written in the late first century, the letter reflects the challenges faced by early Christians, including the rise of false teachings and the need for discernment. The personal tone of the letter suggests a close relationship between the author and the recipients, whether an individual or a community.

Role of Women in the Early Church:

The mention of the "elect lady" provides insight into the role of women in the early Christian church. Women often played significant roles in the spread of Christianity, serving as leaders, patrons, and hosts of house churches. The respectful and affectionate address in 2 John highlights the esteem in which such women were held within the Christian community.

Conclusion:

The "Elect Lady" remains a figure of interest and inspiration, representing the faithful adherence to truth and love amidst challenges. Whether understood as an individual or a collective, the "elect lady" serves as a testament to the enduring call to live out the Christian faith with integrity and devotion.Elect Lady

ELECT LADY

e-lekt' la'-di (eklekte kuria; 2 John 1:1):

In accordance with strict grammatical usage these words of address may be translated in three ways: "to an elect lady" (which as an address is too indefinite); or, both words being taken as proper names, "to Eklekte Kuria" (an improbable combination of two very rare names); or "to Eklekte, lady" = anglice, "to the lady (or `Madam') Eklekte."

The other translations which have been given-"to the elect lady" or "to the elect Kuria"-are open to objection on account of the omission of the article; but this violation of rule is perhaps not without parallel (compare 1 Peter 1:1).

The translation adopted will partly depend upon whether we regard the epistle as addressed to an individual or to a community. Dr. Rendel Harris believes this question to be settled by the discovery in the papyri of numerous instances which prove that kurios and kuria were used by ancient letter-writers as terms of familiar endearment, applicable to brother, sister, son, wife, or intimate friend of either sex (Expositor, March, 1901; see also Findlay, Fellowship in the Life Eternal, chapter iii). In the light of this suggestion we should naturally translate, "to my (dear) lady Eklekte."

Grammatically, this is strongly supported by 1 Timothy 1:2 and 2 Timothy 1:2 (Timotheo gnesio. agapeto. tekno = "to Tim othy my true. beloved. child"); and the fact that the name Eklekte has not yet been discovered, though Eklektos has, offers no grave objection. This is the translation favored by Clement of Alexandria, who says of the epistle: scripta vero est ad quandam Babyloniam nomine Electam, significat autem electionem ecclesiae sanctae ("It is written to a certain Babylonian, Electa by name; but it signifies the further election of the holy church"). It seems doubtful whether he means by the last clause that Electa is simply a personification of the church, or a real person whose name was derived from the Christian idea of election. Either way the rendering, "to the lady Electa," is suitable, and upon the whole it seems the best. Eklekte is not an adjective but a noun. If a person is intended, it is "the lady Electa"; if a church, it is designated, not "the elect Lady," but "the lady Elect." The mention of "thy elect sister" in 2 John 1:13 does not hinder either supposition.

See further CYRIA; JOHN, THE EPISTLES OF. Robert Law

The Second and Third General Epistles of John
... On the assumption that the letter was addressed to an individual, the following
renderings have been proposed: (1) to an elect lady; (2) to the elect lady; (3 ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the second and third general.htm

The Epistles of St. John
... {262}. [Sidenote: To whom written.]. "Unto the elect lady and her children."
The interpretation of these words is a notorious difficulty. ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxiii the epistles of.htm

On the Annunciation of Our Lady
... of they merits. O, elect Lady, our mediator and intercessor, commend us
to thy Son, intercede for us with thy Son. Do thou see to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon ix on the annunciation.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... He could still rebuke evil and denounce Diotrephes, and forbid the elect lady to
receive or countenance any who did not uphold the true, sound doctrines of the ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm

The Holy Spirit Forming Christ Within Us.
... "Do you mean to say, Mrs. H""," one of the ministers asked, "that you are holy?"
Quickly but very meekly and gently, the elect lady replied, "Christ in me ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter xii the holy spirit.htm

Letter cxlvi. To Evangelus.
... One of his letters begins thus: "The presbyter unto the elect lady and her children
whom I love in the truth;" [3941] and another thus: "The presbyter unto the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxlvi to evangelus.htm

Ann Lee.
... This was the only name of distinction by which she was known in the society.
The term Elect Lady was given to her by her enemies. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/ann lee.htm

John
... The other two of which the first is "The elder to the elect lady and her children"
and the other "The elder unto Gaius [2382] the beloved whom I love in truth ...
/.../various/jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter ix john.htm

Elucidations.
... apostles; (3) of the tremendous ferment produced by the Gospel leaven as soon as
it was hid in the "three measures of meal" by "the Elect Lady," the Ecclesia ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/elucidations.htm

Letter ii. In My Last Letter I Said that in the Bible There is ...
... the thunderings and lightnings came, and whom God answered by a voice; or but a
letter of thirteen verses from the affectionate ELDER TO THE ELECT LADY AND HER ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/letter ii in my last.htm

Who is the elect lady in 2 John? | GotQuestions.org

Can the elect be deceived (Matthew 24:24)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I know if I am one of the elect? | GotQuestions.org

Elect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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