2Jo_1:1-4 The apostle testifieth his regard and good wishes
for a certain pious matron and her
children, and his joy in their good behaviour.
2Jo_1:5-9 He exhorteth them to persevere in
Christian love and belief, that they lose not their
full reward,
2Jo_1:10,11 and to have nothing to do with
those seducers that bring not the true doctrine of
Christ.
2Jo_1:12,13 He hopeth to see them shortly, and
concludeth with salutations.
The elder; a general name of office, fitly appropriated with eminency here, he being the only apostle, probably, now surviving on earth.
The elect lady; this appears to have been some noted person, whom both her singular piety, and rank in the world, made eminent, and capable of having great influence for the support of the Christian interest, which her general value with all that had
known the truth, ( i.e. the Christians in those parts), shows. The opinion that a church is intended by this appellation, had it greater probability, is of no great importance, and need not here be disputed.