THE elder to the elect lady, and to her children, whom I love in truth,—and not I alone but also all that know the truth,— 2for the sake of the truth, which abides in us, and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, peace, shall be with you, from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

4I rejoiced greatly, that I have found of thy children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. 5And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandment; and this is the commandment, as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it. 7Because many deceivers went out into the world, who acknowledge not that Jesus Christ comes in the flesh. This is the deceiver, and the antichrist.

8Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we wrought, but receive a full reward. 9Every one who transgresses, and abides not in the teaching of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

10If any one comes to you, and brings not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and do not bid him good speed; 11for he that bids him good speed shares in his evil deeds.

12Having many things to write to you, I would not [write] with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13The children of thy elect sister salute thee.

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