Iohannis Iii 1

1 Senior Gaio charissimo, quem ego diligo in veritate.

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

2 Charissime, de omnibus orationem facio prospere te ingredi, et valere, sicut prospere agit anima tua.

I pray that you may prosper, beloved, in every way, and be in good health, even as your soul is prospering.

3 Gavisus sum valde venientibus fratribus, et testimonium perhibentibus veritati tuæ, sicut tu in veritate ambulas.

For I was glad when brothers came and bore testimony to your truth, as indeed you are passing your life in truth.

4 Maiorem horum non habeo gratiam, quam ut audiam filios meos in veritate ambulare.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are passing their lives in the truth.

5 Charissime, fideliter facis quidquid operaris in fratres, et hoc in peregrinos,

You are acting faithfully, beloved, in whatever you are doing for the brothers and the strangers.

6 qui testimonium reddiderunt charitati tuæ in conspectu Ecclesiæ: quos, benefaciens, deduces digne Deo.

They have borne testimony to your love before the church. You will do well to speed them on their way worthily of God;

7 Pro nomine enim eius profecti sunt, nihil accipientes a Gentibus.

since for the sake of the Name they have started out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8 Nos ergo debemus suscipere huiusmodi, ut cooperatores simus veritatis.

Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

9 Scripsissem forsitan Ecclesiæ: sed is, qui amat primatum genere in eis, Diotrephes, non recipit nos.

I have written somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

10 propter hoc si venero, commonebo eius opera, quæ facit: verbis malignis garriens in nos: et quasi non ei ista sufficient: neque ipse suscipit fratres: et eos, qui suscipiunt, prohibet, et de Ecclesia eiicit.

Do them when I come I will recall to mind the deeds which he is doing, prating against me with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive the brothers, forbids those that would receive them, and excommunicates them from the church.

11 Charissime, noli imitari malum, sed quod bonum est. Qui benefacit, ex Deo est: qui malefacit, non vidit Deum.

Do not imitate what is evil, beloved, but that which is good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has never gazed on God.

12 Demetrio testimonium redditur ab omnibus, et ab ipsa veritate, sed et nos testimonium perhibemus: et nosti quoniam testimonium nostrum verum est.

All men bear testimony to Demetrius, and so does the truth itself. I also bear testimony to him; and you know that my testimony is true.

13 Multa habui tibi scribere: sed nolui per atramentum et calamum scribere tibi.

I have a great deal to write to you, but I do not want to write you with pen and ink.

14 Spero autem protinus te videre, et os ad os loquemur. Pax tibi. Salutant te amici. Saluta amicos nominatim.

I am hoping soon to see you, and then we shall talk face to face. Peace be to you! The friends send their salutation. Salute the friends by name.