The Elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have come to know the truth,
because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever:
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Walking in Truth and Love
I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we received a commandment from the Father.
And now I ask you, O lady, not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning: that we love one another.
And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you heard from the beginning, that you are to walk in it.
For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. This one is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.
Everyone who goes too far and does not remain in the teaching about Christ does not have God. The one who remains in the teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not offer him greetings,
for whoever offers him greetings participates in his evil works.
Final Greetings
Though I have many things to write to you, I did not want to write them with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and to talk face to face so that our joy can be complete.