Chapter 1

The Presbyter to the Elect Lady and to her children whom I love in truth---and not I alone, but also all who have know the truth---

for the sake of the truth which abides in us, and will be with us forever:

grace, mercy and peace be with you from God the Father and from Christ Jesus, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Brotherly Love

I rejoiced greatly that I found some of thy children walking in truth, according to the commandment that we have received from the Father.

And now I beseech thee, lady, not as writing to thee a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another.

And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that, just as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. Against False Teachers

For many deceivers have gone forth into the world who do not confess Jesus as the Christ coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.

Look to yourselves, that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.

Anyone who advances and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, has not God; he who abides in the doctrine, he has both the Father and the Son.

If anyone come to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into the house, or say to him, Welcome.

For he who says to him, Welcome, is sharer in his evil works.

Though I have much to write to you, I do not wish to do so with paper and ink; for I hope to be with you and to speak face to face, that your joy may be full.

The children of thy sister Elect greet you.