Greeting

1 1The elder to the elect lady and her children, 2whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who 3know 4the truth,
2 5because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 6Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4 7I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.
5 And now I ask you, dear lady--8not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning--9that we love one another.
6 And 10this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just 11as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.
7 For 12many deceivers 13have gone out into the world, 14those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, 15so that you may not lose what wea have worked for, but 16may win a full reward.
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, 17does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching 18has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, 19do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting,
11 for whoever greets him 20takes part in his wicked works.

Final Greetings

12 21Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. 22Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, 23so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you.