1–3 · Greetings to the Chosen Lady and Her Children: The greeting of this letter compliments the chosen lady and her children, and the elder not only expresses his love for her in the truth but also emphasizes that all who know the truth do so as well (v. 1). He claims the truth “abides in us and will be with us forever” (v. 2 NASB) as a means of supporting his compliment and continues with a blessing reminiscent of Paul’s letters. “Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son” is bestowed on his audience in truth and love (v. 3). In that sense, the elder’s greeting extends lovingly not only to a fellow leader within the Johannine situation but also to her congregation.

4–6 · Let Us Love One Another: The elder expresses his joy at finding “some of yo…