The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth;

Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

Watch yourselves, that we don't lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

Having many things to write to you, I don't want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.