1:1 The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the truth;
1:1 THE ELDER, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,

1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
1:2 because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever:

1:3 Grace be with you, mercy, [and] peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
1:3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
1:4 I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.

1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
1:5 And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.

1:6 And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
1:6 This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.

1:7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
1:7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1:8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
1:8 Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.

1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
1:9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.

1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into [your] house, neither bid him God speed:
1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
1:11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

1:12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not [write] with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.
1:12 Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.

1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
1:13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.