3 John 1

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

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

2 Beloved, I pray above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified to the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth.

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

5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do to the brethren, and to strangers,

Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.

6 who have testified to your love before the church: if you conduct these on their journey, in a manner worthy of God, you will do well:

They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

7 for, on account of his name, they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.

8 We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth.

Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9 I wrote to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, receives us not.

I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will remember his works which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with these things, he does not himself receive the brethren, but both forbids those who are willing, and casts them out of the church.

So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: he that does evil has not seen God.

Beloved, 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.

12 A good report is given of Demetrius by all, and by the truth itself: and we also give our testimony, and you know that our testimony is true.

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I will not communicate them to you with ink and pen.

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.

14 But I trust that I shall shortly see you, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to you. Our friends here salute you. Salute our friends with you by name.

Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.