1. The elder (6 rpecBurepos). The word is used originally of seniority in age. So Luke xv. 25. Afterward as a term of rank or office. Applied to members of the Sanhedrim (Matt. xvi. 21; Acts vi. 12). Those who presided over the Christian assemblies or churches (Acts xi. 80; 1 Tim. v. 17,19). The twenty-four members of the heavenly court in John’s vision (Apoe. iv. 4, 10,; v. 5, 6, 8,11, 14). Here, with reference to official position, coupled, presumably, with age.
Unto the elect lady (é«Xexrq xupia). An expression which baffles all the commentators. It is supposed by some that the title describes a person, by others, a society. The views of the former class as to the person designated, are (1.) That the letter was addressed to a certain Babylonian named Liecta. (2.) To a person named Ayria. (3.) To Hlecta Kyria, a compound proper name. Those who regard the phrase as describing a society, divide on the question whether a particular Christian society or the whole Church is intended. It is impossible to settle the question satisfactorily.
Children (réxvois). May be taken either in a literal or in a spiritual sense. For the latter, see 1 Tim. 1, 2; Gal. iv. 25; 3 John 4. Compare also vv. 4,13. The explanation turns on the meaning of é«dexrq xupia. If it mean the Church, children will have the spiritual sense. If it be a proper name, the literal.
Whom (ois). Comprehensive, embracing the mother and the children of both sexes.
I love (dyar@). See on John v. 20.