1The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—[ † ]Colossians 1:5 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.[ † ]Romans 1:71 Timothy 1:2
4I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.[ † ]1 Thessalonians 2:19-203 John 3, 4 5And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.[ † ]John 13:34-35John 15:12-171 John 3:111 John 4:7-11 6And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.[ † ]John 14:151 John 2:51 John 5:31 John 2:24
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.[ † ]1 John 2:191 John 4:11 John 4:21 John 2:22 8Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.[ † ]Mark 13:9Galatians 3:4 9Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.[ † ]John 7:16John 8:311 John 2:19-23, 24
10If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.[ † ]1 Kings 13:16Romans 16:172 Thessalonians 3:6-14Titus 3:10 11Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
12I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.[ † ]3 John 13, 14John 17:13
13The children of your elect sister send you greetings.[ † ]1 Peter 5:13