1 The old man to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not only I, but also all who have known the truth,
2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 Be with you grace, mercy and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ , Son of the Father, in truth and in love.
4 I rejoiced greatly because I have found some of your children walking in the truth, according to the commandment which we received from the Father.
5 And now I beg you, lady, not as writing you a new commandment, but the one 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: that you walk in love, as you have heard from the beginning.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. The one who does this is the liar and the antichrist.
8 Take heed to yourselves, so that you do not lose the fruit of your labor, but receive a full reward.
9 Anyone who goes astray and does not persevere in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; He who perseveres in the doctrine of Christ, he does have the Father and his Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not welcome him into your house, nor say to him: Welcome!
11 For he who says to him: Welcome! he participates in his evil deeds.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I have not wanted to do it with paper and ink, because I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be fulfilled.
13 The children of your sister, the chosen one, greet you. Amen.
