1 The Elder,
To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love [agapao] in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, 2 because of the truth which lodges in us and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God [Theou] the Father [Patros] and from the Lord [Kuriou] Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father [Patros], in truth and love [agapao].
4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received a commandment from the Father [Patros]. 5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love [agapao] one another. 6 This is love [agapao], that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses and does not lodge in the teaching of Christ does not have God [Theon]. He who lodges in the teaching of Christ has both the Father [Patera] and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I expect to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.