3 John 1

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

The elder to Gaius the beloved, 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.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, even 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.

For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

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

I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

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

Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.

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

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

because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow-helpers to the truth.

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

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

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.

10 Wherefore, 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.

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 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.

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 Demetrius hath good report by all [men], and by the truth itself: and we [also] bear testimony; and ye know that our testimony 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 had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write to thee:

I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

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

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.