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 STUDY:
In verse 1 there
are three words that are perplexing: “elder,” “lady,” and “elect” (chosen).
This letter does not specify who the Elder is but we can conclude that it is a
person who is a tradition-bearer, whose reputation and influence were
significant. This letter does not give a name to the lady. Was this lady
literally a person or was it used in the figurative sense pertaining to the
church? Or might both applications be in view? Some scholars lean toward a
corporate interpretation but leaves the matter open. Whether lady refers to a church or an
individual, or both, cannot be known with certainty. The recipient of the
letter is described as chosen (eklektēi)
or “elect” (esv, kjv, nkjv, nrsv).
The language of election suggests the recipients were a church.[1]
Some scholars
believe the use of “elder,” “lady,” and “elect,” is some sort of cryptic
address as a veiled reference to a church and its leader. Early Christians
often endured intense persecution in the second half of the first century. For
this reason, writers tried to safeguard the recipients by using innocuous
(safe) names as designations for the church.[2]
WHAT WE CAN WALK
AWAY WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding that in the days of great persecution the church stayed in communication but did so with secretive type actions. This persecution was no of a bad name but physical harm or even death.
CONCLUSION:
For us who live in the United States,
the concept of persecution is so alien to us. The thought of being physically
harmed or even killed is so out of our realm of thinking. In other countries
today, this thought is real!
Let us start the day by praying for
those churches that are being persecuted because they are Christians. I would
like to encourage each one of us to be bold in our faith today. Not arrogant
but bold!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Williamson, R. (2010). 1, 2, & 3
John: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. New Beacon Bible Commentary
(185). Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press.
[2]
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 14: New Testament
commentary : Exposition of James and the Epistles of John. New Testament
Commentary (374). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
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