Greeting to Gaius from the Elder
1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when some of the brothers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, and how you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this: to hear about my children walking in truth.
Gaius’ Example of Hospitality
5 Beloved, you are doing a faithful work in whatever you do for those who are brothers, even those who are strangers. 6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forth on their journey in a way worthy of God, 7 because it was for the sake of the Name that they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to support such people, so that we may be co-workers for the truth.
Diotrephes and Demetrius
9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us. 10 Therefore if I come, I will call attention to his deeds, unjustly accusing us with malicious words. And not content with that, he does not even receive the brothers, and for those who would receive them, he forbids it and throws them out of the assembly.
11 Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Conclusion
13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen, 14 but I hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face.
Peace be to you.
The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.