1 The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who know the truth— 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with *us ¦ you ANT PCK SCRus from God the Father and from †the Lord 91.2% ¦ — CT 6.2%the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

4 I was overjoyed to find some of yoʋr children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask yoʋ, dear lady—not as ‡writing 72.1% • NA27 SBL TH 9.2% ¦ though I were writing ST 12.4%writing yoʋ a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 Now this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard it from the beginning, that you should walk in it. 7 For many deceivers have §come ¦ gone out CTcome into the world, who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch yourselves, so that *we … may 74.9% • MSS 5.1% ¦ you … so that you may CT 17%we do not lose what †we ¦ you THwe have worked for, but may receive a full reward. 9 Everyone who ‡transgresses 99% ¦ goes on ahead CT 1%transgresses and does not abide in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching §of Christ 89.3% ¦ — CT 4.5%of Christ has both the *Father and the Son ¦ Son and the Father ECM†Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not greet him; 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his evil works.

12 Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that †our ¦ your ECM† SBL WHour joy may be full.

13 The children of yoʋr chosen sister greet yoʋ. ‡Amen. 89% ¦ — CT 8.8%Amen.