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;
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.
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 unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
that we love one another
Law (of Christ), Summary: The new "law of Christ" is the divine love, as wrought into the renewed heart by the Holy Spirit Romans 5:5; Hebrews 10:16 and outflowing in the energy of the Spirit, unforced and spontaneous, toward the objects of the divine love ; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:8. It is, therefore, " the law of liberty" ; James 1:25; James 2:12 in contrast with the external law of Moses. Moses' law demands love, ; Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 6:5; Luke 10:27 Christ's law is love ; Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:19; 1 John 4:20 and so takes the place of the external law by fulfilling it ; Romans 13:10; Galatians 5:14. It is the "law written in the heart" under the New Covenant.
(See Scofield "Galatians 5:14") .
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.
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.
world
kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "") .
8.
Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
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.
transgresseth
Sin. (See Scofield "") .
10.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11.
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
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.
13.
The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen.