[1] The Elder, Unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth, [2] for the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us and shall be with us for ever: [3] Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. [4] I rejoiced greatly that I have found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. [5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning: that we love one another. [6] And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. [7] For many deceivers have entered into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. [8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we may receive a full reward. [9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son. [10] If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed; [11] for he that biddeth him Godspeed is a partaker of his evil deeds. [12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink; but I trust to come unto you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. [13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
