2 John.
Before
CHRIST,
A.D. 90.
CHAP. 1.
The elder to 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;
2 For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.
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]
4 I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.
7 For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. [2]
9 Whoever 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.
10 If any one cometh to you, and bringeth not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither wish him greetings:
11 For he that wisheth him greetings is partaker of his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. [3] [4]
13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.
3 John.
Before
CHRIST,
A.D. 90.
CHAP. 1.
The elder to the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in truth. [5]
2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. [6] 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
6 Who have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou shalt bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: [7]
7 Because for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellowhelpers to the truth. [8]
9 I wrote to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath good report by all men, and by the truth itself: and, we also bear witness; and ye know that our witness is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:
14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name. [9]