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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is how John uses "in truth" not just as a statement of affection, but as the foundation and standard for that love. His love isn't just a nice feeling; it's grounded in God's objective reality, and the mark of genuine believers is that they share this same truth-based love.
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,
English Standard Version (ESV)
John, writing as an "elder," sends greetings to a specific Christian woman and her family, whom he deeply cherishes because they live according to God's truth. This letter is part of a series of short epistles where John emphasizes the importance of living in truth and warns against false teachers who deny Christ's coming. The context here is a personal encouragement and a gentle doctrinal check within a specific community.
Ever wondered what it truly means to be 'chosen' by God? This verse unpacks a beautiful picture of divine selection and authentic love.
The Apostle John identifies himself as 'the elder,' writing to 'the elect lady and her children.' The word 'elect' here refers to those chosen by God. This isn't a random selection; it's a profound choice rooted in God's love and purpose.
John clarifies the nature of his love: 'whom I love in truth.' This means his affection is not superficial or conditional. It's a love grounded in reality, mirroring God's own steadfast love for His people. This love is also shared, extending to 'all who know the truth,' highlighting the community aspect of faith.
John isn't just any old guy writing a letter. His title 'the elder' carries weight, and his words reveal a deep pastoral heart.
Calling himself 'the elder' (or 'presbyter' in the original language), John positions himself with a recognized spiritual authority within the early church. This wasn't about lording it over others, but about guiding and nurturing.
His deep affection for this particular church ('the elect lady and her children') is palpable. He doesn't just speak for himself; he claims the love of the entire community of believers who understand God's truth. This shows a mature, communal faith where individual relationships are woven into the broader fabric of the church's life.
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presbyteros · Greek Noun
A leader or older man, often used in the New Testament to designate a leader in the early church who held authority and responsibility, frequently associated with the office of an apostle or overseer.
eklektos · Greek Adjective
Those chosen or selected by God for salvation and relationship with Him, highlighting God's sovereign choice in bringing individuals into His covenantal community.
alētheia · Greek Noun
The objective reality of God’s revelation, faithfulness, and moral consistency, which stands in contrast to falsehood and is found supremely in Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
This passage echoes John's emphasis on truth, urging believers to let the truth they heard from the beginning remain in them, connecting to John's love 'in truth' for the elect lady.
3 John 1:1This verse provides a parallel opening, with the same elder writing to a specific person, Gaius, whom he loves 'in truth,' highlighting the consistent theme of genuine, truth-based fellowship among believers.
John 13:34-35Jesus' command for believers to love one another as He loved them directly relates to John's expressed love 'in truth,' showing that true Christian love is rooted in and demonstrated by Christ Himself.
1 John 3:18This verse connects the idea of loving 'in truth' with demonstrating that love through actions, urging believers not to love only with words but with deeds, which John likely embodies in his affection for the elect lady and her children.
What's easily missed here is how John uses "in truth" not just as a statement of affection, but as the foundation and standard for that love. His love isn't just a nice feeling; it's grounded in God's objective reality, and the mark of genuine believers is that they share this same truth-based love.
John, writing as an "elder," sends greetings to a specific Christian woman and her family, whom he deeply cherishes because they live according to God's truth. This letter is part of a series of short epistles where John emphasizes the importance of living in truth and warns against false teachers who deny Christ's coming. The context here is a personal encouragement and a gentle doctrinal check within a specific community.
John, writing as an "elder," sends greetings to a specific Christian woman and her family, whom he deeply cherishes because they live according to God's truth. This letter is part of a series of short epistles where John emphasizes the importance of living in truth and warns against false teachers who deny Christ's coming. The context here is a personal encouragement and a gentle doctrinal check within a specific community.
"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," — What's easily missed here is how John uses "in truth" not just as a statement of affection, but as the foundation and standard for that love. His love isn't just a nice feeling; it's grounded in…
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Last reviewed October 2026