2 John 1–2
Memory Verse
The Elder, to [the] elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only but also all those knowing the truth, because the truth abides in you, and will be with you into the age (2 John 1–2).
In the apostle’s second letter, John writes to an elect lady and her children. He is likely referring to a specific assembly through which the gospel has gone out and produced additional assemblies in other cities and countries. The word translated as “Church” is a Greek noun meaning “assembly” and is a feminine noun. Thus, in generally referring to the Church, a feminine pronoun is appropriate. This concerns the gender of words and proper grammar, not sex.
John expresses his love for the elect lady and her children. This is a love that comes from abiding in Christ and guarding His commandments (John 15:1–4). Along with John are all those who are in a state of experientially knowing the truth. They also express love towards those of the Church because this truth abides with her and will be with her into the age.
An age is a period, unrelated to time, in which God shows something about Himself to intelligent beings . Thus, both spirit and human beings learn about God. We are in the present malignantly evil age (Galatians 1:4), in which Satan and the course of his world system display his evil nature in contrast to God’s righteous nature (Ephesians 2:2).
Truth is seeing things as they really are. This truth will abide with the Church throughout this age. Thus, grace, mercy, and peace from alongside the Father and alongside the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with the Church in truth and love (2 John 3).