Salutation. 1 The Presbyter to the chosen Lady and to her children whom I love in the truth—and not I alone but also all who know the truth 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 Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
The Commandment of Love. 4 It was a cause of great joy to me to discover that some of your children have been walking in the truth just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 But now, Lady, I am making this request of you, not as though I were writing you a new commandment but simply one that we have had from the beginning: let us love one another. 6 And this is love: when we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment that you have heard from the beginning, and you must follow it.
Warning against False Teachers. 7 Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, those who refuse to acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Any such person is the Deceiver and the Antichrist. 8 Be on your guard that you do not lose what we have worked to accomplish so that you will receive your reward in full.
9 Anyone who fails to remain faithful to the teaching of Christ but goes beyond it does not have God. Only the one who remains faithful to the teaching possesses both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not impart this teaching, do not receive him into your house or welcome him. 11 For anyone who welcomes him has a share in his evil deeds.
12 Conclusion. I have much to write to you, but I do not think it prudent to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and to talk with you face to face so that our joy may be complete.
13 The children of your sister, the chosen one, send you greetings.
Footnotes
- 2 John 1:1
- 2 John 1:4
- 2 John 1:4
- 2 John 1:5
- 2 John 1:6
- 2 John 1:7
- 2 John 1:7
- 2 John 1:8
- 2 John 1:9
- 2 John 1:10
- 2 John 1:12
- 2 John 1:13
