3 John 1

1 The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

From the elder to his dear friend Gaius, whom he sincerely loves.

2 Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Dear friend, I pray that all may be well with you and that you may have good health – I know that all is well with your soul.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

For it was a great joy to me, when some followers of the Lord came and testified to your fidelity to the truth. I know that your own life is guided by the truth.

4 Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from time to time that the lives of my children are guided by the truth.

5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

Dear friend, you are faithful in all the things you do for other followers – even when they are strangers to you.

6 who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

They themselves have testified before the church to your love. You will do well to help them on their way in a manner worthy of the service of God.

7 because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

For it was on behalf of Christ’s name that they set out, not accepting even one thing from the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

Therefore, we should support people like them, and so take our share in their work for the truth.

9 I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes (who loves to be the leader among them) doesn’t welcome us.

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.

So if I come, I will bring up his actions in telling wicked nonsense about us. Not content with that, he not only refuses to personally welcome our friends who are followers, but actually stops those who would, and expels them from 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.

Dear friend, do not follow a bad example, but a good one. The person who does what is good is from God; the person who does what is bad has never 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.

Everyone has always had a good word for Demetrius, and the truth itself speaks for him. Yes, and we also add our good word, and you know that what we say is true.

13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen:

I have many things to tell you, but I would rather not use pen and ink.

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.

I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace be with you. The friends here send you their greetings. Greet each one of our friends.