1The Elder: Or Presbyter

2because of the truth that remains in us 1Jn 1:8 and will be with us forever.

3Grace, mercy, and peace 1Tm 1:2; 2Tm 1:2 will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son Heb 1:2 of the Father, in truth and love. 1Jn 4:12

4I was very glad to find some of your children walking in the truth, 3Jn 3-4 in keeping with a command we have received from the Father.

5So now I urge you, dear lady — not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning — that we love one another. 1Jn 3:11

6And this is love: 1Jn 2:5; 5:3 that we walk according to His commands. Ps 103:18; Mk 7:8; Jn 14:15,21,23; 15:10 This is the command as you have heard it from the beginning: you must walk in love. Lit in it

7Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Or confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh Php 3:3 This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 1Jn 2:18,22; 4:3

8Watch yourselves so you don’t lose what we Other mss read you have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward. 2Pt 2:13

9Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching Jn 8:31-32; 1Jn 2:21-23,27 but goes beyond it, does not have God. Jn 5:12; 8:41; 1Jn 2:23 The one who remains Jn 15:4-16 in that teaching, this one has both the Father Mt 11:27 and the Son. Heb 1:2; 1Jn 2:23

10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive Jn 1:12; 6:21; 13:20 him into your home, and don’t say, “Welcome,” to him;

11for the one who says, “Welcome,” to him shares 1Tm 5:22 in his evil works. Eph 5:11; 1Tm 5:22; Jd 23

12Though I have many things to write to you, 3Jn 13 I don’t want to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to be with you and talk face to face Lit mouth to mouth so that our joy Jn 15:11 may be complete.

13The children of your elect sister send you greetings.