¹ The Elder, unto an elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not, I, alone, but all those also who understand the truth,—

² For the sake of the truth that abideth in us, and, with us, shall be unto times age-abiding,

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

⁴ I rejoiced exceedingly, in that I had found, from among thy children, such as were walking in truth, even as, a commandment, we received from the Father.

⁵ And, now, I request thee, lady, not as writing, a new commandment, unto thee, but one which we were holding from the beginning—That we should be loving one another.

⁶ And, this, is love, that we should be walking according to his commandments: This, is, the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that, therein, ye should be walking.

⁷ Because, many deceivers, have gone out into the world, they who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in flesh: This, is the deceiver and the antichrist.

⁸ Be taking heed unto yourselves, lest ye lose what things we earned,—but, a full reward, ye may duly receive.

⁹ Every one that taketh a lead, and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not, God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same, hath, both the Father and the Son.

¹⁰ If anyone cometh unto you and, this teaching, doth not bring, be not receiving him home, and, Joy to thee! do not say;

¹¹ For, he that biddeth him rejoice, hath fellowship with his wicked works.

¹² Though I had many things, unto you, to write, I was not minded [to say them] with paper and ink; but I hope to come unto you, and, mouth to mouth, to talk,—that your joy may be made full.

¹³ The children of thy chosen sister salute thee.