Greeting the Elect Lady

1 The Elder,

To the 1elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known athe truth, 2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 bGrace, mercy, and peace will be with 2you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walk in Christ’s Commandments

4 I crejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received a commandment from the Father. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: dthat we love one another. 6 eThis is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that fas you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.

Beware of Antichrist Deceivers

7 For gmany deceivers have gone out into the world hwho do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. iThis is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 jLook to yourselves, kthat 3we do not lose those things we worked for, but that 3we may receive a full reward.

9 lWhoever 4transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and mdoes not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

John’s Farewell Greeting

12 nHaving many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, othat our joy may be full.

13 pThe children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.