1:1The 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; 1:2For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. 1:3Grace 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.
1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 1:5And 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. 1:6And 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. 1:7For 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. 1:8Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 1:9Whosoever 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. 1:10If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 1:11For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
1:12Having 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. 1:13The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.