3 John 1

1 The ancient to the dearly beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.2 Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously, and fare well as thy soul doth prosperously.3 I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.4 I have no greater grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.5 Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren, and that for strangers,6 Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church: whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God.7 Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow helpers of the truth.9 I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us.10 For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth, with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church.11 Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: he that doth evil, hath not seen God.12 To Demetrius testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself, yea and we also give testimony: and thou knowest that our testimony is true.13 I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.14 But I hope speedily to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute 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.