Introduction

Greetings  2 John 1: 1-3.
John starts this letter by introducing himself as the elder in his greeting.  The elder is the official position in the church and similar to pastor.  The elders who rule well are considered worthy of double honor (1 Timothy 5:17). This letter was written to the chosen lady and to her children. Scholars suggest that the word "lady" refers to the congregation in a figurative sense. The church is the bride of Christ and her children are members of the church.  God’s truth binds believers together. Truth abides forever (1 Peter 1: 25). John's emphasis on the truth of the gospel shows that it is the foundation upon which Christian life should be built.  When the truth of the gospel takes root in a person's life, it will always produce the fruit of love.  Grace, mercy and peace are part of the standard greeting.   Grace for facing trials, mercy for failures and peace in times of danger. They come from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Father is the source and the Son is the channel. Christians should live in truth and love.