3 John 1

Greeting

1 The elder, to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in the truth.2 Dear friend, I pray you may prosper concerning everything and be healthy, just as your soul prospers.3 For I rejoiced exceedingly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you are walking in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this: that I hear my children are walking in the truth.

Instructions to Gaius

5 Dear friend, you act faithfullyt in whatever you do for the brothers, even though they are strangerst.6 They have testified to your love before the church; you will do well to send themt on their way in a manner worthy of God.7 For they have gone out on behalf of the name, accepting nothing from the pagans.t

8 Therefore we ought to support such people, so that we become fellow workers with the truth.

Diotrephes Causes Trouble

9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who wants to be first among them, does not acknowledge us.10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the deeds he is doingt, disparaging us with evil words. And not being content with these, he does not receive the brothers himself, and he hinders those wanting to do so and throws them out of the church.

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

Demetrius Commended

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

Conclusion and Final Greeting

13 I have many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you by means of ink and pen.14 But I hope to see you right away, and to speak face to facet.

15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.

3 John 1

1 The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.4 Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;6 who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:7 because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.8 We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.9 I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.10 Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.12 Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true.13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:14 but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.