Chapter 1
1 The elder , to the chosen lady and her children , whom I love in truth, and not I only , but also all those who know the truth,
2 for the truth’s sake , which remains in us , and it will be with us forever :
3 Grace , mercy , and peace will be with us , from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ , the Son of the Father , in truth and love.
4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father .
5 Now I beg you , dear lady , not as though I wrote to you a new commandment , but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another .
6 This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments . This is the commandment , even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it .
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world , those who don’ t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh . This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves , that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished , but that we receive a full reward .
9 Whoever transgresses and doesn’ t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’ t have God . He who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son .
10 If anyone comes to you and doesn’ t bring this teaching , don’ t receive him into your house , and don’ t welcome him ,
11 for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds .
12 Having many things to write to you , I don’ t want to do so with paper and ink , but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face , that our joy may be made full .
13 The children of your chosen sister greet you . Amen.