2 John 1
The elder [of the church addresses this letter] to the elect (chosen) [1]lady and her children, whom I love in truth—and not only I, but also all who know and understand the truth—
because of the truth which lives in our hearts and will be with us forever:
Grace, mercy, and peace (inner calm, a sense of spiritual well-being) will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, in truth and love.
I was greatly delighted to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.
Now I ask you, lady, not as if I were writing to you a new commandment, but [simply reminding you of] the one which we have had from the beginning, that we [2]love and unselfishly seek the best for one another.
And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should [always] walk in love.
For many deceivers [heretics, posing as Christians] have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge and confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh (bodily form). This [person, the kind who does this] is the deceiver and the [3]antichrist [that is, the antagonist of Christ] .
Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have accomplished together, but that you may receive a full and perfect reward [when He grants rewards to faithful believers] .
Anyone who runs on ahead and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ [that is, one who is not content with what He taught] , does not have God; but the one who continues to remain in the teaching [of Christ does have God] , he has both the Father and the Son.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching [but diminishes or adds to the doctrine of Christ] , do not receive or welcome him into your house, and do not give him a greeting or any encouragement;
for the one who gives him a greeting [who encourages him or wishes him success, unwittingly] participates in his evil deeds.
I have many things to write to you, but I prefer not to do so with paper (papyrus) and black (ink); but I hope to come to you and speak with you [4]face to face, so that [5]your joy may be complete.
The children of your elect (chosen) sister greet you.