Chapter 1
Chapter 1 Verse 1
1. The elder, to the elect lady[1] and her children, whom I love in truth—and not I only, but also all who have known the Truth—
Chapter 1 Verse 2
2. because of the Truth,[2] who abides in us and will be with us into the age:
Chapter 1 Verse 3
3. Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from the Lord[3] Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with you[4] in truth and love.
Chapter 1 Verse 4
4. It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received commandment from the Father.
Chapter 1 Verse 5
5. And now I put a request to you, lady (not as though writing a new commandment to you, but one that we have from the beginning): that we love one another.
Chapter 1 Verse 6
6. And this is the love,[5] that we live according to His commandments—this is the commandment,[6] just as you heard from the beginning, that you should live according to it.
Chapter 1 Verse 7
7. Now many deceivers have come into the world,[7] who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in flesh[8]—this is the deceiver, even the Antichrist![9]
Chapter 1 Verse 8
8. Look to yourselves, so that we not lose the things for which we worked but may receive a full reward.[10]
Chapter 1 Verse 9
9. Anyone who turns aside and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God;[11] but whoever continues in Christ’s teaching does have both the Father and the Son.[12]
Chapter 1 Verse 10
10. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house; do not even tell him, “I wish you well,”
Chapter 1 Verse 11
11. because whoever tells him, “I wish you well,” participates in his malignant works.[13]
Chapter 1 Verse 12
12. Although I had many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Chapter 1 Verse 13
13. The children of your elect sister greet you.Amen.