Who is the “elect lady” of II John 2?

The Bible does not reveal the exact identity of the “elect lady.”

The apostle John may have been writing to a specific woman. The New Testament records that God used many righteous women to serve His people. Some hosted local congregations in their homes. Some were deaconesses who attended to various physical needs of God’s Church. The apostle Paul frequently addressed these women in his letters. John may have been doing the same in his letter.

Another possibility is that John was writing to a congregation. Revelation 12 and other scriptures symbolize the Church as a woman. Galatians 4:26 teaches that God’s Church is the spiritual mother of Christians—her “children.” Notice II John 13: “The children of your elect sister greet you.” Many scholars believe that John was referencing the Church at Ephesus, from which he may have written.

Consider: The Bible is the only source of true spiritual knowledge, understanding and wisdom. It is everything you need to live a successful, abundant life—and the only true source that reveals the way to eternal life. Since God’s Word does not directly identify the “elect lady,” then her identity is insignificant. Otherwise, God would have revealed it.

What is more important is the spiritual content of the words written to the “elect lady”—not her identity!