3 Yohana 1
1 Mzee, kwa Gayo mpenzi, ninayempenda katika kweli.
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 Mpendwa, nakuombea ufanikiwe katika mambo yote na kuwa na afya njema, kama vile roho yako inavyofanikiwa.
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in good health, even as your soul prospers.
3 Maana nilifurahi sana wakati nilipoambiwa na ndugu waliokuja na kutoa ushuhuda juu ya kweli yako, kama vile unavyoenenda katika kweli.
For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.
4 Sina furaha kubwa zaidi ya hii, kusikia kwamba watoto wangu wanatembea katika kweli.
I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.
5 Mpendwa, unaenenda kwa uaminifu unapowahudumia ndugu na wageni,
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers.
6 ambao wametoa ushuhuda wa upendo wako mbele ya kanisa. Unafanya vizuri kuwasafirisha katika safari zao kwa namna ambayo inampendeza Mungu.
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 Kwa sababu kwa ajili ya Jina, walienda bila kuchukua kitu chochote kutoka kwa watu wa Mataifa.
because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the non-believers.
8 Hivyo, tunatakiwa kuwakaribisha watu kama hawa, ili tuwe watenda kazi wenza kwa ajili ya kweli.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9 Nililiandikia kusanyiko jambo fulani, lakini Diotrofe, anayependa kuwa wa kwanza miongoni mwao, hakubaliani na sisi.
I wrote something to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10 Hivyo, kama nikija nitayakumbuka matendo yake anayoyafanya, jinsi anavyosema maneno mabaya kinyume nasi. Hajaridhika na matendo haya, yeye mwenyewe hawapokei ndugu. Hata huwakataza wengine ambao wanatamani kuwakaribisha hao ndugu na kuwafukuza watoke kwenye kusanyiko.
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 Mpenzi, usiige kilicho kibaya, bali iga kilicho chema. Yeye atendaye mema ni wa Mungu; na yeye atendaye mabaya hajamwona Mungu.
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 Demetrio ameshuhudiwa na wote na kweli yenyewe. sisi pia ni mashahidi, na unajua kuwa ushahuhuda wetu ni wa kweli.
Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 Ninayo mambo mengi ya kukuandikia, lakini sipendi kukuandikia kwa kalamu na wino.
I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;
14 Bali ninatarajia kukuona hivi karibuni, na tutaongea nawe ana kwa ana. Amani iwe pamoja nawe. Marafiki wanakusalimu. Wasalimu marafiki kila mmoja kwa jina lake.
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.
