Walk According to His Commandments
1 The elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen)lady and her children, whom I love in truth–and not only I, but also all who knowandunderstand the truth–
2 because of the truth which lives in our hearts and will be with us forever:
3 Grace, mercy, and peace (inner calm, a sense of spiritual well-being) will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.
4 I was greatly delighted to findsomeof your children walking in truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
5 Now I ask you, lady, not as ifI werewriting to you a new commandment, but [simply reminding you of] the one which we have had from the beginning, that weloveandunselfishly seek the best for one another.
6 And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandmentsandare guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love.
7 For many deceivers [heretics, posing as Christians] have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledgeandconfess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh (bodily form). This [person, the kind who does this] is the deceiver and theantichrist [that is, the antagonist of Christ].
8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have accomplished together, but that you may receive a fullandperfect reward [when He grants rewards to faithful believers].
9 Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ [that is, one who is not content with what He taught], does not have God; but the one whocontinuesto remain in the teaching [of Christ does have God], he has both the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching [but diminishes or adds to the doctrine of Christ], do not receiveorwelcome him into your house, and do not give him a greetingorany encouragement;
11 for the one who gives him a greeting [who encourages him or wishes him success, unwittingly] participates in his evil deeds.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to do so with paper (papyrus) and black (ink); but I hope to come to you and speak with youface to face, so thatyour joy may be complete.
13 The children of your elect (chosen) sister greet you.