1The elder unto the elect lady and her children , whom I love in truth; and not I only , but also all they that know the truth; 2for the truth’s sake which abideth in us , and it shall be with us for ever : 3Grace , mercy , peace shall be with us , from God the Father , and from Jesus Christ , the Son of the Father , in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
4I rejoice greatly that I have found certain of thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father . 5And now I beseech thee, lady , not as though I wrote to thee a new commandment , but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another . 6And this is love, that we should walk after his commandments . This is the commandment , even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it .
Warning Against Deceivers
7For many deceivers are gone forth into the world , even they that confess not that Jesus Christ cometh in the flesh . This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Look to yourselves , that ye lose not the things which we have wrought , but that ye receive a full reward . 9Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ , hath not God : he that abideth in the teaching , the same hath both the Father and the Son . 10If any one cometh unto you , and bringeth not this teaching , receive him not into your house , and give him no greeting : 11for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works .
Conclusion and Final Exhortation
12Having many things to write unto you , I would not write them with paper and ink : but I hope to come unto you , and to speak face to face , that your joy may be made full . 13The children of thine elect sister salute thee.