3 John 1

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

The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in 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 you may prosper in all things and be in good health, even as your soul 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 rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

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 this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

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

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

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 about your love before the church. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

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

because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.

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

We therefore ought to receive such, 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 wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

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.

Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and throws 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 that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn't 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 the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, 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 had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

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.

but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.