[1] The elder unto the elect lady and her children,
whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the
truth;
[2] For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for
ever.
[3] Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from
the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
[4] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as
we have received a commandment from the Father.
[5] And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new
commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love
one another.
[6] And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the
commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
[7] For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
[8] Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have
wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
[9] Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ,
hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the
Father and the Son.
[10] If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
[11] For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
[12] Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper
and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may
be full.
[13] The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.