< 2 John 1 >

1 The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—
I, a ruler in the church, send word to the noble sister who is of God's selection, and to her children, for whom I have true love; and not only I, but all who have knowledge of what is true;
2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever: (aiōn g165)
Because of this true knowledge which is in us, and will be with us for ever: (aiōn g165)
3 Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.
May grace, mercy, and peace be with us from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in all true love.
4 I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
It gave me great joy to see some of your children walking in the true way, even as we were ordered to do by the Father.
5 And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
And now, my sister, I make a request to you, not sending you a new law, but the law which we had from the first, that we have love for one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
And love is the keeping of his laws. This is the law which was given to you from the first, so that you might keep it.
7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
Because a number of false teachers have gone out into the world, who do not give witness that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. Such a one is a false teacher and Antichrist.
8 Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
Keep watch over yourselves, so that you do not make our work of no effect, but may get your full reward.
9 Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Anyone who goes on and does not keep to the teaching of Christ, has not God: he who keeps to the teaching has the Father and the Son.
10 If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
If anyone comes to you not having this teaching, do not take him into your house or give him words of love:
11 Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
For he who gives him words of love has a part in his evil works.
12 I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
Having much to say to you, it is not my purpose to put it all down with paper and ink: but I am hoping to come to you, and to have talk with you face to face, so that your joy may be full.
13 The children of your elect sister send you greetings.
The children of your noble sister, who is of God's selection, send you their love.

< 2 John 1 >