THE presbyter to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the
truth; and not I only, but also all who have known the truth:
(2)because of the truth which abideth in us, and shall be with us for
ever: (3)grace, mercy, peace be with you 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 thy children walking in truth, as we
have received commandment from the Father. (5)And now I beseech thee,
lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we have
had from the beginning, that we should love one another. (6)And this is
love, that we should walk after his commandments. This is the
commandment, as ye have heard from the beginning, That ye should walk
in it. (7)For many deceivers are gone out into the world, who do not
confess Jesus the Messiah as come in the flesh. Such a one is a
deceiver and an antichrist.
(8)Take heed to yourselves that we lose not the things which we have
wrought, but receive a full reward. (9)Every one that transgresseth and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in
the doctrine of Christ, this man holdeth both the Father and the Son.
(10)If any person come unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive
him not into the house, nor say to him, Welcome. (11)He that biddeth
him welcome, takes part in his wicked works.
(12)Having many things to write unto you, I would not do it with paper
and ink; but I hope to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that
our joy may be complete.
(13)The children of thy elect sister salute thee. Amen.