[1] I, a ruler in the church, send word to the noble sister who is of God's
selection, and to her children, for whom I have true love; and not only I,
but all who have knowledge of what is true; [2] Because of this true
knowledge which is in us, and will be with us for ever: [3] May grace,
mercy, and peace be with us from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the
Son of the Father, in all true love. [4] It gave me great joy to see some
of your children walking in the true way, even as we were ordered to do by
the Father. [5] And now, my sister, I make a request to you, not sending
you a new law, but the law which we had from the first, that we have love
for one another. [6] And love is the keeping of his laws. This is the law
which was given to you from the first, so that you might keep it. [7]
Because a number of false teachers have gone out into the world, who do not
give witness that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such a one is a false
teacher and Antichrist. [8] Keep watch over yourselves, so that you do not
make our work of no effect, but may get your full reward. [9] Anyone who
goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ, has not God: he who
keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to
you not having this teaching, do not take him into your house or give him
words of love: [11] For he who gives him words of love has a part in his
evil works. [12] Having much to say to you, it is not my purpose to put it
all down with paper and ink: but I am hoping to come to you, and to have
talk with you face to face, so that your joy may be full. [13] The children
of your noble sister, who is of God's selection, send you their love.
