I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come,(A) I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers.(B) He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.(C)

11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good.(D) Anyone who does what is good is from God.(E) Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.(F) 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone(G)—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.(H)

13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.(I)

15 Peace to you.(J) The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.(K)

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I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:

14 But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

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