< 3 John 1 >

1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
To his dear friend Gaius, whom he sincerely loves, From the Officer of the Church.
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
Dear friend, I pray that all may be well with you and that you may have good health — I know that all is well with your soul.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
For it was a great joy to me, when some Brothers came and testified to your fidelity to the Truth — I know that your own life is guided by the Truth.
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from time to time that the lives of my Children are guided by the Truth.
5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
Dear friend, whatever you do for our Brothers is done in a Christian spirit — even when they are strangers to you.
6 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,
They themselves have testified before the Church to your love; and you will do well to help them on their way in a manner worthy of the service of God.
7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.
For it was on behalf of the Name that they left their homes, and refused to take anything from the Gentiles.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
We, therefore, ought to give such people a hearty welcome, and so take our share in their work for the Truth.
9 I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
I wrote a few lines to the Church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, declines to recognise us.
10 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.
Therefore, when I come, I shall not forget his conduct in ridiculing us with his wicked tongue. Not content with that, he not only declines to recognise our Brothers himself, but actually prevents those who would, and expels them from the Church.
11 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.
Dear friend, take what is good for your example, not what is bad. The man who does what is good is from God; the man who does what is bad has never seen God.
12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Every one has always had a good word for Demetrius, and the Truth itself speaks for him. Yes, and we also add our good word, and you know that what we say about him is true.
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
I have a great deal to say to you, but I do not care to trust it to pen and ink in a letter.
14 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.
I hope, however, it will not be long before I see you, and then we will speak face to face. Peace be with you. Our friends here send you their greetings. Greet each one of our friends.

< 3 John 1 >