Salutation

1The elder, to the elect lady ⁰and her children, whom I love in truth—and not I only, but also all who have known the Truth—

2because of the Truth, ¹who abides in us and will be with us into the age:

3Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord ²Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with you ³in truth and love.

Walk in Christ's commandments

4It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received commandment from the Father.

5And now I put a request to you, lady (not as though writing a new commandment to you, but one that we have from the beginning): that we love one another.

6And this is the love, ⁴that we live according to His commandments—this is the commandment, ⁵just as you heard from the beginning, that you should live according to it.

Beware of deceivers

7Now many deceivers have come into the world, ⁶who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in flesh ⁷—this is the deceiver, even the Antichrist! ⁸

8Look to yourselves, so that we not lose the things for which we worked but may receive a full reward. ⁹

9Anyone who turns aside and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; ¹⁰but whoever continues in Christ's teaching does have both the Father and the Son. ¹¹

10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house; do not even tell him, “I wish you well,”

11because whoever tells him, “I wish you well,” participates in his malignant works. ¹²

Farewell

12Although I had many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

13The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.