THE DELEGATE YOHANAN.
[WRITTEN FROM EPHESUS, A. D. 69.]
THE elder to elect lady, and her children, whom I love (agape) sincerely; and not I only, but also all who have known the truth; for the truth’s sake, which is in us, and shall be with us forever: Favor, mercy, and peace, be with you, from God the Father, and from the Lord Yeshua The Anointed, the Son of the Father, with truth and love (agape).
4.–I rejoiced greatly, when I found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father. And now I implore you, lady, not as writing to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love (agape) one another. And this is love (agape), that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, even as you have heard from the beginning, that you may walk in it; for many deceivers are entered into the world, who do not confess Yeshua The Anointed did come in the flesh. This is the deceiver, and the antichrist (one opposing The Anointed). Look to yourselves, that we may not lose the things which we have worked for, but may receive a full reward.
9 Whoever transgresses, and does not abide in the teaching of The Anointed, does not have God: he who remains in the teaching of The Anointed, has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you, and does not bring this teaching; do not receive him into your house, or greet him : for he who greets him , partakes in his evil deeds. Having many things to write to you, I am not inclined to communicate them by paper and ink; because I hope to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be complete. The children of your beloved sister, Greet you.