Yochanan III 1

1 From the Zaken (Elder, SHEMOT 3:16). To Gaius HaAhuv (Gaius the beloved), for whom I have ahavah (agape) b'Emes.2 Chaver, it is my tefillah that all may be hatzlocha (successful) with you, and that you may be shalem b'guf (healthy), just as your nefesh (soul) is matsli'ach (successful).3 For I had simcha gedola (much joy) when the Achim b'Moshiach arrived [here] and gave eidus (testimony) of you being in HaEmes (the Truth), just as your walk is halakhah b'Derech Emes (conduct in the Way of Truth).4 I have no greater simcha than this, to hear of my bnei b'Moshiach, that their walk is halakhah b'Derech Emes.5 Chaver, you do a thing of emunah (faith) when it is done for the Achim b'Moshiach [engaged in the Shlichus (Divine Mission) of Messianic Kiruv Rechokim itineration in the kehillot], especially when they are people you don't know.6 They gave eidushaft (witness of testimony) to your ahavah (agape) before the kehillah (assembly) [here]; you will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of Hashem.7 For, on behalf of Hashem they went forth [in the Shlichus of Moshiach's Kiruv Rechokim], taking nothing from the Goyim.8 Therefore, we ought to give hachnosas orchim (hospitality) to such, in order that we may be ozrim (helpers) with HaEmes.9 I wrote something to the kehillah [there]; but Diotrephes, who has fallen in love with being "Rosh of the Kehillah," does not receive us.10 Oib azoi (consequently), if I come, I will remember his "ma'asim" ("works") which he does, his bringing unjustified charges against us with lashon horah (evil speech). And not being satisfied with performing these "mitzvot", he even refuses to receive the Achim b'Moshiach, and, those intending to do so, he hinders and expels out of the kehillah.11 Chaver, do not imitate HaRah (Evil); rather, imitate HaTov (Good). The one doing HaTov is from Hashem. The one doing HaRah has not regarded Hashem.12 To Demetrius, eidus (witness of testimony, commendation) has been given by all and, personally, by no less than HaEmes (the Truth); we also give eidus, and you have da'as that our eidus is emes.13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with pen and ink.14 But I have the tikvah (hope) to see you imminently, and we will speak panim el panim (directly, in person). Drishat Shalom to you. Drishat Shalom from the Chaverim [here]. Drishat Shalom by name to each of the Chaverim [there].

3 JOHN 1

1  t From the church leader.t
To my dear friend Gaius.
I love you because we follow the truth, 2 dear friend, and I pray all goes well for you. I hope you are as strong in body, as I know you are in spirit. 3 It makes me very happy when the Lord's followers come by and speak openly of how you obey the truth.

4 Nothing brings me greater happiness than to hear that my childrent are obeying the truth.

Working Together

8 We must support people like them, so we can take part in what they are doing to spread the truth.
9 I wrote to the church. But Diotrephes likes to be the number-one leader, and he won't pay any attention to us.

10 So if I come, I will remind him of how he has been attacking us with gossip. Not only has he been doing this, but he refuses to welcome any of the Lord's followers who come by. And when other church members want to welcome them, he puts them out of the church.

11 Dear friend, don't imitate the evil deeds of others, but follow the example of people who do kind deeds. They are God's children, but those who are always doing evil have never seen God.

12 Everyone speaks well of Demetrius, and so does the true message that he teaches. I also speak well of him, and you know what I say is true.

Final Greetings

14 I hope to see you soon, and then we can talk in person.

15 I pray that God will bless you with peace!
Your friends send their greetings. Please give a personal greeting to each of our friends.