2 John 1:13 — “The children of your sister, who is chosen by God, send their greetings.”
Explanation of the Verse
This short verse is John’s closing line in his letter. He is passing along greetings from the children of your sister, who is chosen by God.
Most Bible readers understand this to mean another group of believers — possibly another local church — or it may refer to the actual sister of the “lady” John is writing to and her family.
Either way, John is showing that the Christian family is bigger than one home, one church, or one group.
Believers in one place care about believers in another place.
This greeting is a reminder that they are part of a spiritual family — connected by God’s love and truth.
Historical Context
In the first-century church, believers were often scattered and separated by distance. They depended on letters, travelers, and personal messengers to stay in touch.
It was common to close letters with personal greetings to show love and unity among churches and families.
John’s words here reflect how the early church saw itself: not as isolated groups, but as one family under God.
They supported one another, prayed for one another, and stayed connected, even when they couldn’t meet face to face.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that the family of God is bigger than just one group of believers.
Every person who belongs to Jesus is part of the same spiritual family, chosen by God.
It also shows the importance of fellowship and unity.
Even a simple greeting from other believers reminds us that we are not alone — we belong to something larger than ourselves.
The phrase “chosen by God” is a reminder that the church exists because of God’s grace and purpose.
We didn’t choose ourselves; God chose us to be His people.
Literary Analysis
This final sentence is personal and relational.
It softens the strong warnings and instructions of the letter by ending with a warm, friendly greeting.
John uses family language again — “children of your sister” — reminding the reader that faith is not only about truth but also about relationship and love.
The sentence also uses the word chosen, which is rich with meaning throughout the Bible, pointing to God’s love and calling.
Cross-References
Similar greetings appear throughout the New Testament:
- 1 Corinthians 16:19-20 — “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord.”
- Romans 16:16 — “All the churches of Christ send greetings.”
- 1 Peter 5:13 — “She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings.”
The language of being chosen by God also appears in:
- Ephesians 1:4 — “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world.”
- 1 Peter 2:9 — “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a gentle reminder that we are part of a worldwide family of believers.
We may live in different places, speak different languages, and come from different backgrounds — but we are united by the truth of Jesus and chosen by God.
It encourages us to love, support, and care for other believers beyond our local church.
The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation but in fellowship with others.
Even small gestures — like sending greetings, praying for others, or showing hospitality — reflect the unity and love that Jesus wants for His people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows that God’s love is big and wide.
He doesn’t just love one church, one family, or one group — He has chosen a people from every place and background to be His own.
The connection between believers across distance reflects the heart of a God who gathers His children from all over the world.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus came to bring people together into one family.
In John 10:16, Jesus said:
“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”
John’s greeting shows that this promise is already happening — believers are being united across places and families because of Jesus.
It also reflects Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 — that all His followers would be one.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this simple greeting teach us about the importance of Christian fellowship?
- How does knowing you are part of God’s chosen family encourage you?
- How can you show love and support to believers outside your immediate circle?
- Why is it important to remember that the church is bigger than just your local group?
- How does this verse challenge you to think differently about your connection to other believers?