Greeting
1 From the Elder, to the chosen master and her little ones in the faith, whom I truly love, and not only I but also everyone who has known the truth. 2 Because of the truth that will be with us for eternity, 3 we also have favor, mercy, and peace with God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father in truth and love.
Love and discernment
4 I was overjoyed to find out that your little ones live in the truth, in accordance with the command we received from the Father. 5 And now I am asking you, madam, not writing a new command to you but one which we had from the beginning: that we love each other. 6 And this is the love we should keep up with, according to his commands; this is the command you heard from the beginning and keep practicing. 7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, who deny that Jesus Christ came in the flesh; such a person is the deceiver and the antichrist.78 Watch yourselves, so you don’t destroy what we worked for but get your full pay. 9 Anyone who assumes leadership but does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God. But anyone who remains in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t take them into your home; don’t even greet them! 11 For the one greeting them participates in their evil work.
12 The little ones of your chosen sister greet you.- 7
the deceiver and the antichrist
is a metaphorical expression, not saying that every such individual is the literal Antichrist. It also does not mean no such individual exists, since the scriptures clearly describe an individual prophesied to lead the world in opposition to, and impersonation of, the true Christ.