A Greeting from the Elder (3 John 1:1–4)
1 WBS The elder to 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; BSB BSB: The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—
2 WBS For the truth's sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. BSB BSB: because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:
3 WBS 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. BSB BSB: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.
Walking in the Truth (John 8:30–47)
4 WBS I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. BSB BSB: I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.
5 WBS And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. BSB BSB: And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.
6 WBS And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments. This is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. BSB BSB: And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.
Beware of Deceivers 7 WBS For many deceivers have entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver, and an antichrist. BSB BSB: For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8 WBS Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. BSB BSB: Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.
9 WBS Whoever 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. BSB BSB: Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.
10 WBS If any one cometh to you, and bringeth not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither wish him happiness: BSB BSB: If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.
11 WBS For he that wisheth him happiness, is partaker of his evil deeds. BSB BSB: Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
Conclusion (3 John 1:13–14)
12 WBS Having many things to write to you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come to you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. BSB BSB: I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
13 WBS The children of thy elect sister greet thee. Amen. BSB BSB: The children of your elect sister send you greetings.
Select verses for actions: Enter goes to them and Escape comes back.