{1:1} The Elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,
{1:2} because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever.
{1:3} Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
{1:4} I rejoiced greatly because I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.
{1:5} And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.
{1:6} This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
{1:7} For many corrupters have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a corrupter and an antichrist.
{1:8} Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we have produced, but that we may receive a full reward.
{1:9} Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
{1:10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor speak a blessing to him;
{1:11} for he who blesses him shares in his evil deeds.
{1:12} Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
{1:13} The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.