1The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth, 2for the truth’s sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever: 3Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father. 5Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6This is love, that we should walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.
7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don’t confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist. 8Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. 9Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him, 11for he who welcomes him participates in his evil deeds.
12Having many things to write to you, I don’t want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full. 13The children of your chosen sister greet you. Amen.
John and his brother James left their family fishing business to follow Jesus. As one of the inner three disciples, John was present at some of the most memorable parts of Jesus ministry (cf Matt 17:1; Mk 5:37; 9:2; 14:33). He was referred to by three nicknames, one given to him and his brother by Jesus: “Boanerges, that is “Sons of Thunder” (Mk 3:17). Another name, the beloved disciple, is one he bestowed on himself, and is used only in the Gospel he wrote (Jn 13:21, 19:26-27). He also refers to himself as “the Elder” in 2 and 3 John. While Jesus was on the cross, He entrusted John with the care of Mary, His mother (Jn 19:26-27). After Jesus’ resurrection John was one of the leading figures of the early church and was arrested with Peter for preaching the word (Acts 4:1-4). Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul referred to him as a pillar of the church (Gal 2:9). Eventually John went to Ephesus and from there was banished to Patmos for “the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev 1:9) It was on Patmos that John was given the revelation of the end of time by Jesus Christ Himself.