1:1 The elder to the elect lady, and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
1:2 For the truth's sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
1:3 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.
1:4 I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
1:6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
1:7 For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist.
1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
1:9 Whoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
1:10 If any one cometh to you, and bringeth not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither wish him happiness:
1:11 For he that wisheth him happiness, is partaker of his evil deeds.
1:12 Having 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, that our joy may be full.
1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.