2 John 1–3 (ESV)
Greeting
1 The elder to the elect lady and
her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from
God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
The word “elder” means priest or pastor. In the Lutheran Church, we use the term elder to be more like a
deacon, a support staff or helper of the priest/pastor. The “elect lady and her children” is the Church and all the believers. The church has always been referred to as feminine and it is the Bride of Christ. The children are
the believers who know the truth. This letter is written to the believers.
I pray: O Lord, I am a believer, and I belong to the Church, the elect lady. You have called me and chosen me to
be a child of God. Help me to walk according to your ways and help me to not resist the Holy Spirit’s work in my life. Amen.