3 John 1

1 The Elder, to Gaius, most beloved, whom I love in the truth.2 Most beloved, concerning everything, I make it my prayer that you may benefit by advancing and succeeding in whatever may be to the benefit of your soul.3 I was very glad when the brothers arrived, and when they offered testimony to the truth in you, that you are walking in the truth.4 I have no greater grace than this, when I hear that my sons are walking in the truth.5 Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners;6 they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would to well to lead these ones worthily to God.7 For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers.8 Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth.9 As it happens, I had written to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to bear the highest rank among them, would not accept us.10 Because of this, when I come, I will admonish his works which he does, babbling against us with malicious words. And as if this were not sufficient for him, he himself does not receive the brothers. And those who do receive them, he hinders, and he ejects them from the church.11 Most beloved, do not be willing to imitate what is evil; instead imitate what is good. Whoever does good is of God. Whoever does evil has not seen God.12 Testimony is being given for Demetrius by everyone, and by the truth itself. And we also offer testimony. And you know that our testimony is true.13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you.14 Yet I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

3 John 1

Introduction and Thanksgiving

1 Fromt the elder,ts to Gaiuss my dear brother, whom I love in truth.t2 Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul.ts

3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are living according to the truth.s

4 I have no greater joy than this: to heart that my children are living according to the truth.t

The Charge to Gaius

5 Dear friend,t you demonstrate faithfulnessts by whatever you do for the brothers (even though they are strangers).6 Theyt have testified to your love before the church.s You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.s7 For they have gone forths on behalf of “The Name,”s accepting nothing from the pagans.ts

8 Therefore wes ought to support such people, so that we become coworkers in cooperation with the truth.t

Diotrephes the Troublemaker

9 I wrote something to the church,s but Diotrephes,s who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.t10 Therefore, if I come,t I will call attention to the deeds he is doings – the bringing of unjustified charges against us with evil words! And not being content with that, he not only refuses to welcome the brothers himself, but hinders the people who want to do so and throws them out of the church!

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is bad but what is good.s The one who does good is of God; the one who does what is bad has not seen God.s

Worthy Demetrius

12 Demetriuss has been testified to by all, even by the truth itself. We also testify to him,t and you know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write to you witht pen and ink.ts14 But I hope to see you right away, and we will speak face to face.t

15 Peace be with you.t The friends heret greet you. Greet the friendss theret by name.