3 John 1

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

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

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

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 rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk 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 about my children walking in truth.

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

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and 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 testified about your love before the church. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

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

because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.

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

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be 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 wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

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.

Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of 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.

Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't seen 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.

Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write unto thee: but I would not by ink and pen write to thee.

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

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.

but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.