3 John 1

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

From the elder to his dear friend Gaius, whom he sincerely loves.

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

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.

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 it was a great joy to me, when some followers of the Lord came and testified to your fidelity to the truth. I know that your own life is guided by the truth.

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

Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to hear from time to time that the lives of my children are guided by the truth.

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

Dear friend, you are faithful in all the things you do for other followers – even when they are strangers to you.

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 themselves have testified before the church to your love. You will do well to help them on their way in a manner worthy of the service of God.

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

For it was on behalf of Christ’s name that they set out, not accepting even one thing from the Gentiles.

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

Therefore, we should support people like them, and so take our share in their work 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 the leader among them) doesn’t welcome us.

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.

So if I come, I will bring up his actions in telling wicked nonsense about us. Not content with that, he not only refuses to personally welcome our friends who are followers, but actually stops those who would, and expels them from 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.

Dear friend, do not follow a bad example, but a good one. The person who does what is good is from God; the person who does what is bad has never 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.

Everyone 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 is true.

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

I have many things to tell you, but I would rather not use 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 salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

I hope to see you soon, and then we will speak face to face. Peace be with you. The friends here send you their greetings. Greet each one of our friends.