The Second Epistle of The Apostle John1 - Ferrar Fenton Translation

The old man to the Chosen Lady and her children, whom I love in truth--and not myself alone, but also all those who recognise the truth--for the sake of the truth which dwells in us, and will exist with us in eternity: Where will be with us blessing, mercy, peace with God the Father, and with Jesus Christ the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

I was greatly delighted at having found some of your children walking in truth, as fully as we received instruction from the Father. And now I beg of you, Princess, not as if writing a new command to you, but that which we possessed from the beginning--that we should love one another. And this is love--that we should conduct ourselves according to His commands. That is the command which you learnt from the first, so that you should walk by it. Because many misleaders have gone out into the world, some not acknowledging Jesus Christ to have come bodily. This is the misleader and the antagonist of Christ.

Take care of yourselves, so that you may not lose what we are working out, but may receive a perfect reward. Whoever assumes the lead among you, and continues not in the teaching of the Messiah, possesses not God. Whoever continues in that teaching, he possesses both the Father and the Son. If any one comes to you, and does not bring this doctrine, neither admit him to your house no wish him success; for whoever wishes him success, himself participates in his wicked doings.

Having a great deal to communicate to you, I have decided to do so not by paper and ink; but I hope to come to you, and speak by word of mouth, so that your pleasure may be complete.

The children of your chosen sister sends you regards.

  1. Note.--For the first Epistle of St. John, see the end of his Gospel, where I have restored it to its proper place, it being really the Concluding Address of that Evangelist to his readers.--F.F.