| 1 | The Elder to the Elect Lady, and those born of her, whom I love in the truth: and not I alone, but also all those who have known the truth, |
| 2 | because the truth which dwells in us shall be with us for eternity. |
| 3 | May grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus, the Son of the Father, in truth and in love. |
| 4 | I was very glad because I discovered some of your sons walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the Father. |
| 5 | And now I petition you, Lady, not as if writing a new commandment to you, but instead that commandment which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another. |
| 6 | And this is love: that we walk according to his commandments. For this is the commandment that you have heard in the same way from the beginning, and in which you should walk. |
| 7 | For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has arrived in the flesh. Such a one as this is a deceiver and an antichrist. |
| 8 | Be cautious for yourselves, lest you lose what you have accomplished, and so that, instead, you may receive a full reward. |
| 9 | Everyone who withdraws and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God. Whoever remains in the doctrine, such a one as this has both the Father and the Son. |
| 10 | If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not be willing to receive him into the house, and do not speak a greeting to him. |
| 11 | For whoever speaks a greeting to him, is speaking with his evil works. |
| 12 | I have much more to write to you, but I am not willing to do so through paper and ink. For I hope that I may be with you in the future, and that I may speak face to face, so that your joy may be full. |
| 13 | The sons of your Elect Sister greet you. |
