Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
ELECT', ELECTION. " It is applied to persons or things. Luke 14:7; John 6:70. V. " Luke 23:35; cf. Luke 18:7. e. the One in whom God takes pleasure. T. usage are those chosen of God unto salvation, who therefore enjoy his favor and lead a holy life in communion with him. Matt 24:22; Mark 13:27; Luke 18:7; Rom 8:33; Tit 1:1. " Rom 2:26. " All are called who hear the sound of the gospel and are invited to accept its terms of salvation, but those only are chosen who repent and believe and persevere to the end. Elect Lady. 2 John 1.
This title is applied by John to some eminent Christian woman, or else it was a figurative expression denoting a Christian church.