2 John

New Testament for Everyone

The sign of life

¹ From the Elder to the Chosen Lady and her children, whom I love in truth—as indeed, in addition to myself, do all those who know the truth, ² because of the truth that abides in us and is with us forever. ³ Grace, mercy and peace from God the father and from Jesus the Messiah, the son of the father, be with us in truth and love.

⁴ I was delighted when I found some of your children walking in the truth, just as we received the commandment from the father. ⁵ And now, dear Lady, I am writing to you, not indeed a new commandment, but the one we had from the very beginning, that we should love one another. ⁶ This is love: that we should behave in accordance with his commandments. And this is the commandment, just as you heard it from the very start, that we should behave in accordance with it.

Don’t be deceived!

⁷ Many deceivers, you see, have gone out into the world. These are people who do not admit that Jesus the Messiah has come in the flesh. Such a person is the Deceiver—the Antimessiah! ⁸ Watch out for yourselves, so that you won’t lose what we have worked for, but may receive the full reward.

⁹ Anyone who goes out on their own, and does not abide in the teaching of the Messiah, does not have God. One who abides in the teaching—such a one has the father and the son. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, don’t receive them into the house; don’t even give them a greeting. ¹¹ Anyone who utters a greeting to such a person shares in their wicked deeds.

¹² I have many things to write to you, but I did not wish to write with pen and ink. I am hoping instead to come to you, and to speak face to face. That will complete our joy.

¹³ The children of your Chosen Sister send you greetings.