3 John 1

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

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

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

Dear one, I pray for you to prosper in every way and to be healthy, just as your soul prospers.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

Because it gave me great joy when some brothers came and testified to the truth about you, how you are walking in Truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

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

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Dear one, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers, and for the strangers

6 Who have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou shalt bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

who testified to your love before the church—you will do well by sending them on their way in a manner worthy of God,

7 Because for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

because it was for the sake of the Name that they went out, accepting nothing from pagans.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellowhelpers to the truth.

We therefore ought to welcome such, so that we may work together for the Truth.

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

I wrote to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who wants to dominate the others, does not acknowledge us.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, slandering us with malignant words. And not satisfied with that, not only does he himself not receive the brothers, but he forbids those who want to do so, kicking them out of the congregation.

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

Dear one, do not imitate what is bad, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

12 Demetrius hath good report by all men, and by the truth itself: and, we also bear witness; and ye know that our witness is true.

Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—even by the truth itself. Yes, we also speak well of him, and we know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:

I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends greet thee. Greet the friends by name.

rather I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here greet you. Greet the friends there by name.