¹ The ancient to the lady Elect, and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth,

² For the sake of the truth which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.

³ Grace be with you, mercy, and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus the Son of the Father; in truth and charity.

⁴ I was exceeding glad, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.

⁵ And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing a new commandment to thee, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

⁶ And this is charity, that we walk according to his commandments. For this is the commandment, that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in the same:

⁷ For many seducers are gone out into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh: this is a seducer and an antichrist.

⁸ Look to yourselves, that you lose not the things which you have wrought: but that you may receive a full reward.

⁹ Whosoever revolteth, and continueth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that continueth in the doctrine, the same hath both the Father and the Son.

¹⁰ If any man come to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into the house nor say to him, God speed you.

¹¹ For he that saith unto him, God speed you, communicateth with his wicked works.

¹² Having more things to write unto you, I would not by paper and ink: for I hope that I shall be with you, and speak face to face: that your joy may be full.

¹³ The children of thy sister Elect salute thee.