3 John 1

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

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

2 Beloved, in all things I pray that thou mayst prosper and be in health, as thy soul prospereth.

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

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bore witness to thy truth, as thou walkest 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 walk in the truth.

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

5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful thing whatever thou doest to the brethren, and that to strangers,

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

6 who bore witness of thy love before the church; whom if thou send forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, thou wilt do well.

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 For in behalf of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the gentiles.

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

8 We therefore ought to sustain such persons, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

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

9 I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.

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

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words; and not content therewith, he himself doth not receive the brethren, and those that would he forbiddeth, and casteth them out of 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 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God; he that doeth evil hath not seen 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 To Demetrius testimony hath been borne by all, and by the truth itself; yea, we also bear witness, and ye know that our witness 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 had many things to write to thee, but I do not wish to write to thee with ink and pen;

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

14 but I hope to see thee immediately, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. The friends salute thee. 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.