[1] The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who know the truth,
[2] for the sake of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:
[3] 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.
[4] I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.
[5] Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.
[6] And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
[7] For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
[8] Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
[9] Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.
[10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting;
[11] for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.
[12] Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full.
[13] The children of your chosen sister greet you.