The Third of John, 1

¹ The older man^*1 to Gaʹius, the beloved, whom I truly love.

² Beloved one, I pray that in all things you continue to prosper and enjoy good health, just as you are^*1 now prospering.

³ For I rejoiced very much when brothers came and bore witness about the truth you hold, as you go on walking in the truth.

⁴ No greater joy^*1 do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.

⁵ Beloved one, you show your faithfulness in what you do for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you.

⁶ They have given a witness about your love before the congregation. Please send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.

⁷ For it was in behalf of his name that they went out, not taking anything from the people of the nations.

⁸ So we are under obligation to show hospitality to such ones, so that we may become fellow workers in the truth.

⁹ I wrote something to the congregation, but Di·otʹre·phes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not accept anything from us with respect.

¹⁰ That is why if I come, I will call attention to the works he is doing in spreading malicious talk about us.^*1 Not being content with this, he refuses to welcome the brothers with respect; and those who want to welcome them, he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.

¹¹ Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God.

¹² De·meʹtri·us has been well-reported-on by them all and by the truth itself. In fact, we too are bearing witness about him, and you know that the witness we give is true.

¹³ I had many things to write you, but I do not wish to go on writing you with pen and ink.

¹⁴ However, I am hoping to see you soon, and we will speak face-to-face. May you have peace. The friends send you their greetings. Give my greetings to the friends by name.