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.

I pray that you may prosper, beloved, in every way, and be in good health, even as your soul is prospering.

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 glad when brothers came and bore testimony to your truth, as indeed you are passing your life in truth.

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 this, to hear that my children are passing their lives in the truth.

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

You are acting faithfully, beloved, in whatever you are doing for the brothers and the strangers.

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 borne testimony to your love before the church. You will do well to speed them on their way worthily of God;

7 for for the name have they gone forth, taking nothing of those of the nations.

since for the sake of the Name they have started out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become 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 somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

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.

Do them when I come I will recall to mind the deeds which he is doing, prating against me with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive the brothers, forbids those that would receive them, and excommunicates them from 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.

Do not imitate what is evil, beloved, but that which is good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has never gazed on 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.

All men bear testimony to Demetrius, and so does the truth itself. I also bear testimony to him; and you know that my 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 a great deal to write to you, but I do not want to write you 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.

I am hoping soon to see you, and then we shall talk face to face. Peace be to you! The friends send their salutation. Salute the friends by name.