3 John 1

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

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

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

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 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk 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 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

I have no greater grace than this, when I hear that my sons are walking in the truth.

5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you do to the brethren, and to strangers;

Most beloved, you should act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, and those who are sojourners;

6 Which have borne witness of your love (agape) before the church: whom if you bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, you shall do well:

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 Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

For they set out, on behalf of his name, accepting nothing from the unbelievers.

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

Therefore, we must accept such as these, in order that we may cooperate with the truth.

9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.

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 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, babbling against us with malicious words: (logos) and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts them 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 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen 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 Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and all of you know that our record is true.

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 had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto you:

I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing, through ink and pen, to write to you.

14 But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Greet the friends 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.