3 John 1

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

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

2 Dear one, I pray for you to prosper in every way and to be healthy, just as your soul prospers.

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

3 Because it gave me great joy when some brothers came and testified to the truth about you, how you are walking in Truth.

For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in Truth.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

5 Dear one, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, and for the strangers

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

6 who testified to your love before the church—you will do well by sending them 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 it was for the sake of the Name that they went out, accepting nothing from pagans.

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

8 We therefore ought to welcome such, so that we may work together for the Truth.

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

9 I wrote to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who wants to dominate the others, does not acknowledge us.

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

10 So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, slandering us with malignant words. And not satisfied with that, not only does he himself not receive the brothers, but he forbids those who want to do so, kicking them out of the congregation.

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 Dear one, do not imitate what is bad, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has 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 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—even by the truth itself. Yes, we also speak well of him, and we know 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, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

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

14 rather I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there 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.