Greeting

1The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who know the truth—

2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with ⁰us from God the Father and from ¹the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in Truth and Love

4I was overjoyed to find some of yoʋr children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.

5And now I ask yoʋ, dear lady—not as ²writing yoʋ a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

6Now this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard it from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

7For many deceivers have ³come into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.

8Watch yourselves, so that ⁴we do not lose what ⁵we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.

9Everyone who ⁶transgresses and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching ⁷of Christ has both the ⁸Father and the Son.

10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not greet him;

11for whoever greets him takes part in his evil works.

Final Greetings

12Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that ⁹our joy may be full.

13The children of yoʋr chosen sister greet yoʋ. ¹⁰Amen.