2 John 1:1 — “The elder, To the lady chosen by God and to her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I only, but also all who know the truth—”
Explanation of the Verse
This verse is the opening line of the short letter we call 2 John. The writer calls himself “the elder.” Most Bible readers understand this to mean John, one of Jesus‘ closest followers and the same man who wrote the Gospel of John and 1 John. He’s writing to “the lady chosen by God and to her children.” Some think this could be an actual Christian woman and her family. Others think it’s a symbolic way of talking about a local church and its members.
Either way, John is speaking to people who belong to God and who know the truth about Jesus. He says he loves them in the truth — not because of how they look, what they’ve done, or where they live, but because they share the truth about Jesus. He’s reminding them that love and truth always go together in the family of God.
Historical Context
This letter was written toward the end of the first century, around AD 85-95. By this time, many churches had been planted, and followers of Jesus were scattered throughout the Roman Empire. But there were also people spreading false teachings, especially lies about who Jesus really was. John had seen Jesus face to face. He had walked with Him, talked with Him, and saw Him die and rise again. So, John was very concerned that believers stayed grounded in the truth and loved one another deeply.
In those days, letters like this were sent to encourage, warn, and teach churches that couldn’t all gather in one place. John‘s greeting here is full of affection, reminding them that love and truth are never separate in God’s family.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that truth and love are inseparable in God’s family. John doesn’t just say he loves them. He says he loves them in the truth. In other words, real love isn’t blind or shallow. It’s rooted in what’s true about God, about Jesus, and about who we are as people made by God and saved by Him.
It also reminds us that love isn’t just personal. John says it’s not only him, but all who know the truth love them too. That’s because, in God’s family, love is the natural result of knowing the truth.
Literary Analysis
John opens this letter in a personal, gentle, and relational way. He calls himself “the elder,” not as a title of power, but as someone with age, experience, and care. He writes to the lady and her children, whether that’s a real family or a picture of a church, using the warm language of family and friendship.
The sentence is short but packed with meaning: truth, love, knowledge, and community are all woven together. This simple opening sets the tone for the entire letter, which is about walking in truth, guarding against lies, and showing love.
Cross-References
Several other Bible passages carry this same message:
- John 13:34-35 — Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- 1 John 3:18 — “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
- Ephesians 4:15 — “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
- 3 John 1:1 — Very similar greeting, showing John‘s consistent heart toward believers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For us today, this verse is a strong reminder that being a Christian isn’t just about knowing facts about God — it’s about loving people in truth. Truth matters. Love matters. You can’t have one without the other. As followers of Jesus, we are part of a big spiritual family that stretches across the world, and our love for one another should reflect the truth we believe.
It also reminds us to look out for one another and care deeply for others in the family of God, even those we’ve never met, because we are connected by the truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects the heart of a loving God who chose people to be His own. God doesn’t choose based on how good or important people are, but because of His love and grace. And His love doesn’t leave people in the dark — He gives them the truth and brings them into a family where they are known and loved.
John’s love for the lady and her children is a reflection of how God loves His people. God’s love is real, personal, and grounded in truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse can’t be understood apart from Jesus. The truth John talks about is the truth about Jesus — that He is the Son of God, sent to save sinners, and the only way to eternal life. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
John’s love is built on this truth.
The fact that God has “chosen” this lady and her children points to what Jesus said in John 15:16 — “You did not choose me, but I chose you.”
This connection shows that the love shared among believers is a direct result of Jesus’ love and truth.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to “love in the truth”? How is that different from the way the world defines love?
- Do you think of your church family (or fellow believers) as part of your own family? Why or why not?
- How can you show real, truth-filled love to other Christians this week?
- What lies or false teachings today might try to pull people away from the truth about Jesus?
- How does knowing that God has “chosen” you affect how you see yourself and others?