1 The elder (here not an official title, but refeing to the apostle's age) to the elect lady (God's elect) and her children, whom I love in truth (the element or sphere in which the love was seen. Cp. Eph. 4:15); and not I only, but all they also that have known the truth; (Seasons and ages change, but not God's Word.)
2 O account of the truth, which abides in us, and shall be with us for ever.
3 Grace shall be with you, mercy (only here in John), and peace, from God (Gr. Theos corresponds with 'Elohim of the O.T.) the Father, and from the Lord (used of Yahaveh - Kurios) Jesus (Yahshua) Christ (Messiah), the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
4 I rejoiced (cp. 3 John 3. Several of Paul's epistles open with thanksgiving) greatly that I found of your children walking in truth (not imply that there were others who did not so walk, but referring to such as he had met), as we received a commandment from the Father.
5 And now I ask you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we had from the beginning (giving a warning, speaking seriously), in order that we love one another.
6 And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, That, as you heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. (To do it.)
7 For many deceivers (so-called "Christians". See 2 Cor. 6:8. Cp. 1 John 4:1) are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh (lit. Jesus Christ coming in the flesh. The present particle is used, as in Rev. 1:4. In 1 John 4:2,3, the perfect is used, referring to His 1st coming. This refers to His 2nd coming. Cp. Acts 1:11). This is the deceiver and the antichrist (= instead of, or in the stead of Christ. See 1 John 2:18).
8 Look to yourselves, that you lose not those things which we have wrought (i.e. the truth and love resulting from John's teachings. Don't let somebody rob you), but that we receive a full reward (Gr. misthos. In john's writings only here, John 4:36 [wages], and Rev. 11:18; 22:12).
9 Whosoever transgresses (thi:3. 2 Tim. 1:13; 3:14s refers to false teachers ho claim to bring some higher teaching, beyond the apostle's doctrine. Cp. 1 Tim. 6), and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ (the way Christ taught it), he has both the Father and the Son.
10 If any one comes to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house (includes God's house), and bid him not God speed: (Lit. say, Hail!)
11 For he that bids him God speed partakes (see Rom. 15:27. 1 Tim. 5:22) of his evil deeds.
12 Having many things to write to you, I would not write by means of paper and ink: but I hope to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. (See 1 John 1:4)
13 The children of thy elect sister salute you. Amen.