1THE minister, to the mother church, and her children, those whom I love in the truth, and not I only, but also all those who have known the truth, 2For the sake of the truth which dwells in us and is with us for ever, 3Grace be with us, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

4I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children living in the truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5And now I beseech you, O mother church, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should follow it.

7For many deceivers have appeared in the world, who do not acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8Look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which you have accomplished, but that you receive a full reward. 9Whosoever transgresses, and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. He who abides in His doctrine, has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, do not welcome him to your house, neither bid him to eat: 11For he who bids him to eat is partaker of his evil works.

12I have many things to say to you, which I do not want to write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

13The children of your elect sister Church greet you. Grace be with you. Amen.