Greeting from the Elder
(3 John 1:1-4)

1The elder,

To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those having known the truth— 2because of the truth abiding in us and that will be with us to the age:

3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in the Truth
(John 8:30-41)

4I rejoiced exceedingly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5And now I implore you, lady, not as though I am writing to you a new commandment, but that which we have had from the beginning, that we should love one another. 6And this is love, that we should walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you should walk in it.

Beware of Deceivers

7For many deceivers have entered into the world, those not confessing Jesus Christ coming in flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, so that you should not lose what things we have worked for,a but you may receive a full reward. 9Anyone going on ahead, and not abiding in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. The one abiding in the teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.

10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into the house, and do not tell him to rejoice. 11For the one telling him to rejoice partakes in his evil works.

Final Greetings

12Having many things to write to you, I purposed not with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak mouth to mouth, so that our joy may be having been completed.

13The children of your elect sister greet you.b