[1] The elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, [2] for the sake of the truth, which remains in us, and will be with us forever: [3] Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. [4] I greatly rejoiced that I found some of your children walking in truth as we were commanded by the Father. [5] And now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have 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 you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. [7] For many deceivers, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Each one is a deceiver and an antichrist. [8] Watch yourselves, so that we do not lose those things for which we have worked, but that we receive a full reward. [9] Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in the teaching of Christ has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, nor greet him. [11] For whoever greets him takes part in his evil deeds. [12] I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to write with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face to face that our joy may be complete. [13] The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
