3 John 1

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

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:

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

Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.

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

For I was overjoyed when the brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in which you continue to walk.

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

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

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

Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and especially since they are strangers to you.

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

They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

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

For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.

8 Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9 I have written somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

I have written to the church about this, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our instruction.

10 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.

So if I come, I will call attention to his malicious slander against us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting them out of the church.

11 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.

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.

12 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.

Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify for him, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I have a great deal to write to you, but I do not want to write you with pen and ink.

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with pen and ink.

14 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.

Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak with you face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet each of our friends there by name.