Study Desk

The Elder:^[a] To the elect^(a) lady^[b] and her children: I love all of you in the truth—and not only I, but also all who have come to know the truth^(b)—

because of the truth that remains in us^(c) and will be with us forever.

Grace, mercy, and peace^(d) will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son^(e) of the Father, in truth and love.^(f)

I was very glad to find some of your children walking in the truth,^(g) in keeping with a command we have received from the Father.

So now I urge you, dear lady—not as if I were writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.^(h)

And this is love:⁽ⁱ⁾ that we walk according to His commands.^(j) This is the command as you have heard it from the beginning: you must walk in love.^[c]

Many deceivers have gone out into the world; they do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.^[d](k) This is the deceiver and the antichrist.^(l)

Watch yourselves so you don't lose what we^[e] have worked for, but that you may receive a full reward.^(m)

Anyone who does not remain in Christ's teaching⁽ⁿ⁾ but goes beyond it, does not have God.^(o) The one who remains^(p) in that teaching, this one has both the Father^(q) and the Son.^(r)

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive^(s) him into your home, and don't say, "Welcome," to him;

for the one who says, "Welcome," to him shares^(t) in his evil works.^(u)

Though I have many things to write to you,^(v) I don't want to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to be with you and talk face to face^[f] so that our joy^(w) may be complete.

The children of your elect sister send you greetings.