1:1
The elder to 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 dwells in us, and shall be with us for ever.
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 your children walking in truth, as we have
received a commandment from the Father.
1:5
And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but
that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
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And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment,
That, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
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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 worked, but that
we receive a full reward.
1:9
Whoever transgresses, and stays not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He
that stays in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.
1:10
If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your
house, neither bid him God speed:
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For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
1:12
Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I
trust 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.