3 John 1
1 This letter comes from the elder to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.
The Elder, to Gaius, most beloved, whom I love in the truth.
2 My friend, I pray most of all that you're doing well and are in good physical health, for I know you're doing well spiritually.
Most beloved, concerning everything, I make it my prayer that you may benefit by advancing and succeeding in whatever may be to the benefit of your soul.
3 I was delighted when some fellow-believers arrived and told me about your commitment to the truth, and how you continue living in the truth.
I was very glad when the brothers arrived, and when they offered testimony to the truth in you, that you are walking in the truth.
4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear how my dear friends are following the truth.
I have no greater grace than this, when I hear that my sons are walking in the truth.
5 My friend, you show you are trustworthy in what you're doing by looking after the brothers, even those you don't know.
Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners;
6 They have spoken well about your love in front of the church. Please be so kind as to send them on their journey in a way that God would appreciate,
they have given testimony to your charity in the sight of the Church. You would do well to lead these ones worthily to God.
7 for they are traveling in his name, not accepting anything from non-believers.
For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers.
8 We ought to support them so we can share together in the truth.
Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth.
9 I did write about this to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, refuses to accept our authority.
As it happens, I had written to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to bear the highest rank among them, would not accept us.
10 So if I do visit, I will make it clear what he's been doing. He's been making malicious accusations against us. Not satisfied with doing that, he refuses to welcome any other brothers. He won't let anyone else welcome them either, and throws those who do so out of the church.
Because of this, when I come, I will admonish his works which he does, babbling against us with malicious words. And as if this were not sufficient for him, he himself does not receive the brothers. And those who do receive them, he hinders, and he ejects them from the church.
11 My friend, don't imitate what is evil, but what is good. Those who do what's good belong to God; those who do evil don't know God.
Most beloved, do not be willing to imitate what is evil; instead imitate what is good. Whoever does good is of God. Whoever does evil has not seen God.
12 Everyone speaks well of Demetrius—and the truth does so too! We also speak well of him, and you know we tell the truth.
Testimony is being given for Demetrius by everyone, and by the truth itself. And we also offer testimony. And you know that our testimony is true.
13 I have so much to say to you, but I don't want to do it in writing with pen and ink.
I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you.
14 I hope to see you soon so we can talk face to face. May peace be with you! The friends here send their greetings to you. Please personally greet our friends there by name.
Yet I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
