Study Desk

The elder,^(a) To the lady chosen by God^(b) and to her children, whom I love in the truth^(c)—and not I only, but also all who know the truth^(d)—

because of the truth,^(e) which lives in us^(f) and will be with us forever:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ,^(g) the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth,^(h) just as the Father commanded us.

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning.⁽ⁱ⁾ I ask that we love one another.

And this is love:^(j) that we walk in obedience to his commands.^(k) As you have heard from the beginning,^(l) his command is that you walk in love.

I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ^(m) as coming in the flesh,⁽ⁿ⁾ have gone out into the world.^(o) Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.^(p)

Watch out that you do not lose what we^[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.^(q)

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(r) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^(s)

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.^(t)

Anyone who welcomes them shares^(u) in their wicked work.

I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face,^(v) so that our joy may be complete.^(w)

The children of your sister, who is chosen by God,^(x) send their greetings.