The elect lady

This week we are studying the "elect lady" mentioned in II John.
Last time, we noted that John used a special word for her, saying she was "kuria," a lady or princess, that set her above many women of the time. Such was the respect that the elderly apostle had for this Christian lady.
The word "elect" was chosen carefully, too.

Paul uses this same word that John chose, when he speaks of a Christian man, Rufus.

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. (Romans 16:13, NIV)

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. (KJV)

Peter used the same word here:

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (I Peter 1:1-2)

We can see that this lady was "elect" in two ways. She was of excellent character, and highly respected. She, and her sister and her children, were also elect or chosen of God, according to His purpose.
Chosen. Just as we are.
And presented with a gift:

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. (I Peter 1:3-5)

This lady was chosen and responded to the call of the Spirit, to receive the inheritance of salvation. A gift that can never tarnish, or spoil, or fade. Those of us who have a relationship with Christ have this gift, too.
Probably the elect lady was a convert of John's ministry. He seems to have known her for some time, and has respect for her, her sister, and her children.
Perhaps he knew her so well because he had been entertained in her home, with graciousness and hospitality. Since no husband is mentioned here, she may have been a wealthy widow who had ample money to care for the apostles, saints, and other believers who came her way. John expressed the hope that he would see her again -- that he would visit with her and her family, and share more of the glorious truths that he had discovered.

The very fact that she was so hospitable and gracious made it important for John to warn her about false teachers. He explained that there was danger in allowing those who wished to subvert their faith into the house. Danger to her, and to her children, and to others who might be visiting or staying there. John wanted her to be very careful.

The elect lady also had a wonderful influence on others. We see this because John mentions her children, and the fact that they followed her example in the faith. Not only did they walk in the truth, and in the light of God's presence, but they were praised for their love for others, and for their excellent witness. The elderly apostle knew full well that this was the result of careful teaching and the Godly example of their mother. Early training in truth and love yields a blessed result in later years. Many a mom and dad has wrung their hands and wept because their child strays from the path they have taught them; but many a parent has rejoiced later as that child returns to the faith of their family, and is a wonderful testimony of His grace!

What a testimony through the years . . . the elect lady and her family not only "talked the talk," but they also "walked the walk," and were examples for us to emulate!

We'll conclude our study of the elect lady tomorrow.