Greetings from the Elder
1 The elder,
To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I, but also all those who have come to know the truth, 2 because of the truth, which remains in us and will be with us forever.
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Walking in the Truth
4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 Now I beg you, dear lady, not as a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6 This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment that you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in love.
Beware of Deceivers
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, that we do not lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not remain in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. He who remains in the teaching 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 and do not welcome him, 11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
Final Greetings
12 Having many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.
13 The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.