3 John 1

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

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

2 Dearly beloved, concerning all things I make it my prayer that thou mayest proceed prosperously, and fare well as thy soul doth prosperously.

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

3 I was exceedingly glad when the brethren came and gave testimony to the truth in thee, even as thou walkest in the 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 grace than this, to hear that my children walk in truth.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are passing their lives in the truth.

5 Dearly beloved, thou dost faithfully whatever thou dost for the brethren, and that for strangers,

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

6 Who have given testimony to thy charity in the sight of the church: whom thou shalt do well to bring forward on their way in a manner worthy of God.

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

7 Because, for his name they went out, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

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 helpers of the truth.

Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

9 I had written perhaps to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, doth not receive us.

I have written somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

10 For this cause, if I come, I will advertise his works which he doth, with malicious words prating against us. And as if these things were not enough for him, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that do receive them he forbiddeth, and casteth out of the church.

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 Dearly beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth good, is of God: he that doth evil, hath 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 To Demetrius testimony is given by all, and by the truth itself, yea and we also give testimony: and thou knowest that our testimony 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 unto thee: but I would not by 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 speedily to see thee, and we will speak mouth to mouth. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute 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.