¹ The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth;

² for the truth's sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:

³ Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father, and from¹ Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

1. NU Vg. M TR add "the Lord"

⁴ I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.

⁵ Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

⁶ This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Anti-Christ.

⁸ Watch yourselves, that you¹ do not lose the things which we have accomplished, but that you² receive a full reward.

1. NU Vg. M TR read "we" instead of "you"
2. NU Vg. M TR read "we" instead of "you"

⁹ Whoever goes on¹ and does not remain in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son.

1. M TR read "transgresses" instead of "goes on"

¹⁰ If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not welcome him,

¹¹ for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

¹² Having 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 to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.

¹³ The children of your chosen sister greet you.¹

1. NU Vg. M TR add "Amen"