(1) The Elder, to the Elect Lady and her children, whom I love in the truth. And not I only, but also everyone who knows the truth, (2) on account of the truth which remains in us, and will be with us in the age to come. (3) Grace, mercy and peace will be with us from Father God and from Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, in truth and love. (4) I greatly rejoiced that I found some of your children walking in truth, just as we received that command from the Father. (5) And now I ask you, dear Lady, not as if I am writing a new command to you, but one which we have received from the beginning, so that we might love one another. (6) And this is love, that we should walk according to His commandments. This is the command just as you heard from the beginning, that you walk in it. (7) For many deceivers have come into the world, those who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8) Watch yourselves,  so that you do not lose what you have worked for, but you receive your full reward. (9) All who go forth and do not remain in the teaching of Christ do not have God. (10) If someone comes to you and does not bear this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not speak to him. (11) For the one who welcomes him shares in his evil works. (12) A great many things I have to write to you, but not through paper and pen. I hope to come to you and speak face-to-face, in order that your joy may be complete. (13) The children of your Elect Sister pay you their respects.