2 John 1

Greeting in Truth and Love

1The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not I alone, but also everyone who knows the truth— 2because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever. 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in truth and love.

Walk in Truth and Love

4I rejoiced greatly because I found some of your children walking in truth, just as we received a command from the Father. 5And now I ask you, lady—not as though writing a new command to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6And this is love: that we walk according to his commands. This is the command, just as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

Watch for Deceivers

7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, people who do not confess Jesus Christ coming in flesh. Such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8Watch yourselves so that you do not lose what we have worked for but may receive a full reward. 9Everyone who goes beyond and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. The one who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive that person into your house or give them a greeting, 11because the one who gives such a greeting shares in that person’s evil works.

Face to Face

12Although I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that our joy may be made complete. 13The children of your chosen sister greet you.