How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #4
Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19, NRSV)
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. (1 John 3:18-19, KJV)
Translation: don't just say you follow the truth—do it.
Quote #5
This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth. There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three agree. If we receive human testimony, the testimony of God is greater; for this is the testimony of God that he has testified to his Son. (1 John 5:6-9, NRSV)
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. (1 John 5:6-9, KJV)
The opponents have been spreading their "human testimony" around—and the elder is not pleased. He has a very specific idea about what the truth is: Jesus was baptized and died, and both of those are super important parts of his life. No way he's letting anyone else say otherwise.
Quote #6
The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth, and not only I but also all who know the truth, because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever […] I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father. (2 John 1:1-2, 4, NRSV)
The elder unto 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; For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever […] I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. (2 John 1:1-2, 4, KJV)
The folks at this church are still following the traditions and teachings of the community, and the elder is pretty psyched that they're holding onto his version of the truth. Apparently, the naysayers haven't arrived in town yet.