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 have known the truth;
2 For the truth's sake, which dwells in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, 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 found some of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5 And now I appeal to you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, 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 you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have entered into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things for which we have labored, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses, and does not continue in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. He that continues in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.
10 If there comes anyone to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house, neither wish him well:
11 For he that wishes him well shares in his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I would rather not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.