3 John 1

1 From the Elder. 2 My dear friend, I know your soul is doing fine, and I pray that you are doing well in every way and that your health is good.3 I was very happy when some brothers and sisters came and told me about the truth in your life and how you are following the way of truth.

4 Nothing gives me greater joy than to hear that my children are following the way of truth.
5 My dear friend, it is good that you help the brothers and sisters, even those you do not know.6 They told the church about your love. Please help them to continue their trip in a way worthy of God.7 They started out in service to Christ, and they have been accepting nothing from nonbelievers.

8 So we should help such people; when we do, we share in their work for the truth.
9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be their leader, will not listen to us.

10 So if I come, I will talk about what Diotrephes is doing, about how he lies and says evil things about us. But more than that, he refuses to accept the other brothers and sisters; he even stops those who do want to accept them and puts them out of the church.

11 My dear friend, do not follow what is bad; follow what is good. The one who does good belongs to God. But the one who does evil has never known God.

12 Everyone says good things about Demetrius, and the truth agrees with what they say. We also speak well of him, and you know what we say is true.
13 I have many things I want to write you, but I do not want to use pen and ink.14 I hope to see you soon and talk face to face.15 Peace to you. The friends here greet you. Please greet each friend there 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.