A Greeting from the Elder 1The elder to an elect lady and her children whom I love in truth?and not I only, but also all who know the truth? 2for the truth's sake which abides in us, and will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, peace, shall be with us from God the Father, and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. Walking in the Truth 4I rejoiced exceedingly, because I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father. 5And now I beseech you, lady, not as writing 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 commandment. This is the commandment, even as ye heard from the beginning, that ye should walk in it. Beware of Deceivers 7Because many deceivers went out into the world, who confess not Jesus Christ as coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the Anti-Christ. 8Take heed to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we wrought, but that ye receive a full reward. 9Every one who leads forward, and abides not in the teaching of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you, and brings not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and say not to him, "Greeting," 11for he that says to him, "Greeting," partakes in his evil works. Conclusion 12Having many things to write to you, I was not willing to write them with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you, and speak mouth to mouth, that your joy may be made full. 13The children of your elect sister salute you. Worrell New Testament (1904) Digital Text Courtesy TheWord.net Bible Software. Section Headings Courtesy Berean Bible. |