3 John 1

1 This letter comes from the elder to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.

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

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

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.

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

4 Nothing makes me happier than to hear how my dear friends are following the truth.

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

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

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,

who testified to your love before the church—you will do well by sending them on their way in a manner worthy of God,

7 for they are traveling in his name, not accepting anything from non-believers.

because it was for the sake of the Name that they went out, accepting nothing from pagans.

8 We ought to support them so we can share together in the truth.

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

9 I did write about this to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, refuses to accept our authority.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

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.

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.