The elder, to the elect lady and her children which I love in the truth: And not I only, but also all that have known the truth,

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

It is an intense joy to me to have found some of your children living true Christian lives, in obedience to the command which we have received from the Father.

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

The love of which I am speaking consists in our living in obedience to God's commands. God's command is that you should live in obedience to what you all heard from the very beginning.

For many deceivers are entered into the world, which confess not Jesus Christ as coming, or returning in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

If any one cometh to you, and bringeth not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither wish him happiness:

Having many things to write, I do not wish to write with paper and ink, but I hope to be with you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

The children of your elect (chosen) sister greet you.