3 John 1
1 To his dear friend Gaius, whom he sincerely loves, From the Officer of the Church.
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 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.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
3 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.
For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4 Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from time to time that the lives of my Children are guided by the Truth.
I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
5 Dear friend, whatever you do for our Brothers is done in a Christian spirit — even when they are strangers to you.
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6 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.
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 For it was on behalf of the Name that they left their homes, and refused to take anything from the Gentiles.
because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.
8 We, therefore, ought to give such people a hearty welcome, and so take our share in their work for the Truth.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote a few lines to the Church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, declines to recognise us.
I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 say to you, but I do not care to trust it to pen and ink in a letter.
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14 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.
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.
