[1] The elder to the chosen lady, and to her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth, [2] because of the truth that is remaining in us, and will be with us throughout the age, [3] there will be with you grace, 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 exceedingly that I have found of your children walking in truth, even as we received a command from the Father; [5] and now I implore you, lady, not as writing to you a new command, but which we had from the beginning, that we may love one another, [6] and this is love, that we may walk according to His commands; this is the command, even as you heard from the beginning, that you may walk in it, [7] because many deceivers entered into the world, who are not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh; this one is he who is leading astray, and the antichrist. [8] See to yourselves that you may not lose the things that we worked for, but may receive a full reward; [9] everyone who is transgressing, and is not remaining in the teaching of the Christ, does not have God; he who is remaining in the teaching of the Christ, this one has both the Father and the Son; [10] if anyone comes to you, and does not bear this teaching, do not receive him into the house, and do not say to him, “Greetings!” [11] For he who is saying to him, “Greetings,” has fellowship with his evil works. [12] Having many things to write to you, I did not intend [it] with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full. [13] The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
