God’s Truth and Blessings Abide Forever

¹ The elder.

To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not I alone, but also all who have come to know the truth— ² because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

³ Grace, mercy, and shalom be with us, from God the Father and from Messiah Yeshua, the Father’s Son, in truth and love!

Lovingly Walk in God’s Truth

⁴ I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we received as a commandment from the Father. ⁵ Now I ask you, dear lady, that we love one another. It is not as though I am writing you a new command, but the one we have had from the beginning. ^{[a] 6} Now this is love: that we walk according to His commands. This is the commandment—just as you heard from the beginning—that you walk in love.

Protect Against Messianic Pretenders

⁷ For many deceivers have gone out into the world—those who do not acknowledge Yeshua as Messiah coming in human flesh. This one is a deceiver and the anti-messiah. ⁸ Watch yourselves, so you do not lose what we have worked for but receive a full reward. ⁹ Anyone who goes too far and does not remain in Messiah’s teaching does not have God. Anyone who remains in this teaching has both the Father and the Son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not welcome him into your home or even give him a greeting. ¹¹ For the one greeting him shares in his evil deeds.

Brotherly Fellowship Is Joyful

¹² Although I have much to write to you, I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. But I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be full.

¹³ The children of your chosen sister send you greetings.^[b]