The elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth--and not I alone, but also all those who know the truth--

And now I ask you, lady (not as [if I were] writing a new commandment to you, but [one] that we have had from the beginning), that we should love one another.

Watch yourselves that you do not lose what we have worked for, but receive a full reward.

[Although] I have many [things] to write to you, I do not want [to do so] by means of paper and ink, but I hope to be with you and to speak {face to face}, so that your joy may be complete.