1:1 The 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;

1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be

with us for ever.

1:3 Grace 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.

1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in

truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

1:5 And 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.

1:6 And 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.

1:7 For 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.

1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we

have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

1:9 Whosoever 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.

1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,

receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:

1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil

deeds.

1:12 Having 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.

1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.