3 John 1

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

This letter comes from the elder to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.

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

My friend, I pray most of all that you're doing well and are in good physical health, for I know you're doing well spiritually.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

I was delighted when some fellow-believers arrived and told me about your commitment to the truth, and how you continue living in the truth.

4 Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

Nothing makes me happier than to hear how my dear friends are following the truth.

5 Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

My friend, you show you are trustworthy in what you're doing by looking after the brothers, even those you don't know.

6 who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

They have spoken well about your love in front of the church. Please be so kind as to send them on their journey in a way that God would appreciate,

7 because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

for they are traveling in his name, not accepting anything from non-believers.

8 We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers with the truth.

We ought to support them so we can share together in the truth.

9 I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

I did write about this to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, refuses to accept our authority.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth, and casteth [them] out of the church.

So if I do visit, I will make it clear what he's been doing. He's been making malicious accusations against us. Not satisfied with doing that, he refuses to welcome any other brothers. He won't let anyone else welcome them either, and throws those who do so out of the church.

11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

My friend, don't imitate what is evil, but what is good. Those who do what's good belong to God; those who do evil don't know God.

12 Demetrius hath the witness of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our witness is true.

Everyone speaks well of Demetrius—and the truth does so too! We also speak well of him, and you know we tell the truth.

13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write [them] to thee with ink and pen:

I have so much to say to you, but I don't want to do it in writing with pen and ink.

14 but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.

I hope to see you soon so we can talk face to face. May peace be with you! The friends here send their greetings to you. Please personally greet our friends there by name.