3 John 1

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

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

2 Beloved, I desire that in all things thou shouldest prosper and be in health, even as thy 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 exceedingly when [the] brethren came and bore testimony to thy [holding fast the] truth, even as thou walkest in 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 these things that I hear of my children walking in the truth.

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

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully [in] whatever thou mayest have wrought towards the brethren and that strangers,

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

6 (who have witnessed of thy love before [the] assembly, ) in setting forward whom on their journey worthily of God, thou wilt 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 for the name have they gone forth, taking nothing of those of the nations.

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-workers with the truth.

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

9 I wrote something to the assembly; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the first place 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 For this reason, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, babbling against us with wicked words; and not content with these, neither does he himself receive the brethren; and those who would he prevents, and casts [them] out of the assembly.

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 what is evil, but what 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 Demetrius has witness borne to him by all, and by the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and thou knowest that our witness 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 to thee, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee;

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

14 but I hope soon to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace [be] to thee. The friends greet thee. Greet the friends 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.