[1] The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth;
and not I only, but also all those who know the truth; [2] for the truth`s
sake, which remains in us, and it 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. [4] I rejoice
greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as
we have been commanded by the Father. [5] Now I beg you, dear lady, not as
though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we 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, even as you heard
from the beginning, that you should walk in it. [7] For many deceivers have
gone out into the world, those who don`t confess that Jesus Christ came in
the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. [8] Watch yourselves,
that we don`t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we
receive a full reward. [9] Whoever transgresses and doesn`t remain in the
teaching of Christ, doesn`t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the
same has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you, and
doesn`t bring this teaching, don`t receive him into your house, and don`t
welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.
[12] Having many things to write to you, I don`t 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.
