Chapter 1

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 forever:

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 Godspeed;

1:11 For he that biddeth him Godspeed 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.