 1 From John the elder. To the elect~ lady and her children whom I love in the truth. Not only I but also all who have known the truth. 2 For the sake of the truth that lives in us and shall be with us forever. 3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found of your children walking in truth as we received commandment from the Father. 5 Now I appeal+ to you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning: to love one another. 6 And this is love: That we walk after His commandments. And this is the commandment: That as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have entered the world who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves so that we do not lose those things for which we have worked+, but so that we receive a full reward. 9 For everyone who transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, does not have God within them. But those who abide in the doctrine of Christ have both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive them into your house or bid them cordial greetings+. 11 For those who bid them cordial greetings+ are partakers of their evil deeds. 12 Although I have many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink, but I trust to come to you and speak face to face so that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect~ sister greet you. Amen.
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