2 John

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Salutation

¹ The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth,^{(A) 2} because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

³ Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from^[a] Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.^(B)

Truth and Love

⁴ I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. ⁵ But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment but one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another.^{(C) 6} And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment just as you have heard it from the beginning—you must walk in it.^(D)

⁷ Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist!^{(E) 8} Be on your guard, so that you do not lose what we^[b] have worked for but may receive a full reward.^{(F) 9} Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it,^[c] does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching^[d] has both the Father and the Son.^{(G) 10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive and welcome this person into your house,^{(H) 11} for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds of such a person.^(I)

Final Greetings

¹² Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead, I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our^[e] joy may be complete.^(J)

¹³ The children of your elect sister send you their greetings.^[f]