1 The Elder to the [1]elect [2]Lady, and her children, [3]whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all that have known the truth,
2 For the truth’s sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us forever:
3 Grace be with you, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, with [4]truth and love.
4 [5]I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in [6]truth, as we have received a commandment of the Father.
5 And now beseech I thee, Lady, (not as writing a new commandment unto thee, but the same which we had from the beginning) that we ⓐlove one another.
6 And this is that love that we should walk after his commandments. This commandment is, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
7 [7]For many deceivers are entered into this world, which confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. He that is such one, is a deceiver and an Antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not the things, which we have done, but that we may receive a full reward.[8][9]
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
10 [10]If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, ⓑreceive him not to house, neither bid him Godspeed.
11 For he that biddeth him Godspeed, is partaker of his evil deeds. Although I had many things to write unto you, yet would I not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full.
12 The sons of thine elect sister greet thee, Amen.