New Testament · 2 John

2 John 1

A Greeting from the Elder

(3 John 1:1–4)

1The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth^a — and not only I, but also all who have come to know the truth — 2because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us for ever:

3grace^b, mercy, and peace^c will be with us from God the Father and from the Lord Yeshua Messiah, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

Walking in the Truth

(John 8:30–47)

4I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5And now I ask you, dear lady — not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning — that we love one another. 6And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so that you walk in it.

Beware of Deceivers

7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Yeshua Messiah in flesh^d; such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.^e 8Watch yourselves, so that we may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. 9Everyone who goes ahead and departs and does not abide in the teaching of Messiah does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching of Messiah has both the Father and the Son.^f

10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11for whoever greets him takes part in his evil deeds.^g

Conclusion

(3 John 1:13–14)

12Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope^h to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joyⁱ may be complete.

13The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.