1
The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.2 Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified of your truth, just as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
5 Beloved, you are faithful in whatever you do for the brothers {and also}a strangers 6 who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the {Gentiles}.b 8 Therefore, we ought to {support}c such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9 I wrote [something]d to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept us. 10 For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, slandering us with wicked words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and he forbids those who want to do so and expels them from the church.
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from [everyone], and from the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I had much to write [to you],e but I do not want to write to you with ink and pen; 14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face.
15 Peace to you. [The friends greet you].f Greet the friends by name.