1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children , whom I love in the truth ;only , but also all they that have known the truth ;
2 For the truth’s sake , which dwelleth 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 of thy children walking in truth , as we have received a commandment from the Father .
5 And now I beseech thee , lady , not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee , but that which we had from the beginning , that we love one another .
6 And this is love , that we walk after his commandments .This is the commandment , That , as ye have heard from the beginning , ye should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers are entered into the world , who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh .This is a deceiver and an antichrist .
8 Look to yourselves , that we lose not those things which we have wrought , but that we receive a full reward . 9 Whosoever transgresseth , and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ , hath not God.that abideth in the doctrine of Christ , he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine , receive him not into your house , neither bid him God speed :
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds .
12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face , that our joy may be full . 13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee .Amen .