2 John 1

“The elder” writes “to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth,” along with all who know the truth, “because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever.” He rejoices greatly that he has found some of her children “walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” He then repeats the great command (“not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning — that we love one another”) and defines it: “this is love, that we walk according to his commandments.” But he warns that “many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist.” Therefore, “Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” For “everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” Then comes the pointed instruction: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” John closes with the hope of coming to see them “face to face,” “so that our joy may be complete,” and sends greetings from “the children of your elect sister.”