The presbyter, to the elect Lady and her children whom I love in the Truth (and not only I but all who know the Truth)

And now I entreat you, Lady ??not as though I were writing you any new command, it is the command which we have had from the very beginning ??let us love one another.

I say this, because a number of impostors have emerged in the world, men who will not acknowledge the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh; that marks the real 'impostor' and 'antichrist.'

Watch yourselves; you must not lose what you have been working for, but gain a full reward.

Anyone who is 'advanced' and will not remain by the doctrine of Christ, does not possess God: he who remains by the doctrine of Christ possesses both the Father and the Son.

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not admit him to the house ??do not even greet him,

I have a great deal to write to you, but I do not mean to use ink and paper; I hope to visit you and have a talk with you, so that your joy may be unimpaired.