2 John 1

1 ¹The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth—not only I, but all who know the truth, ^a a v1 "The chosen lady and her children" most likely refers to a local church and its members. ²because of the truth that lives in us and will be with us forever. ³Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from our Father and from Jesus Christ, our Father's Son, in truth and love.

⁴I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in truth, as our Father commanded us. ⁵Now I ask you, dear lady: not a new command, but one we've had from the start—love one another. ⁶This is love: that we walk by his commands. This is the command, as you heard from the beginning: that you walk in love.

⁷For many deceivers have gone out into the world, denying that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. ⁸Watch yourselves, so that you don't lose what we have worked for, but receive a full reward. ⁹Anyone who oversteps, not remaining in Christ's teaching, lacks our Father; whoever remains in the teaching has both our Father and the Son. ^b b v9 To deny the Son is to lose the Father. John's letter insists they cannot be separated — to abide in Jesus' teaching is to have both our Father and his Son together. ¹⁰If someone comes to you without this teaching, don't welcome them into your home or greet them, ¹¹for whoever greets him shares in his evil deeds.

¹²I have much to write, but I'd rather not use paper and ink. I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so our joy may be complete. ¹³The children of your chosen sister greet you.