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 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.

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

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.

For I was glad when brothers came and bore testimony to your truth, as indeed you are passing your life in truth.

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

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

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

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

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

since for the sake of the Name they have started out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become fellow workers 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 have written somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

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.

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 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.

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 Everyone speaks well of Demetrius—and the truth does so too! We also speak well of him, and you know we tell the truth.

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 have so much to say to you, but I don't want to do it in writing with pen and ink.

I have a great deal to write to you, but I do not want to write 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.

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.