He is glad of Gaius, that he walks in the truth. He exhorts them to be loving to the poor Christians in their persecution, and speaks of the unkind dealing of Diotrephes, and the good report of Demetrius.

¹ The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

² Beloved, I wish in all things that you prospered and fared well, even as your soul prospers. ³ I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, how you walk in truth. ⁴ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

⁵ Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren, and for strangers, ⁶ who bear witness of your love before all the congregation. Which brethren, when you bring them forwards on their journey (as it befits God), you will do well, ⁷ because for his name’s sake they went forth, and took nothing from the Gentiles. ⁸ We therefore ought to receive such brethren, so that we also may be helpers of the truth.

⁹ I wrote to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, will not receive us. ¹⁰ And so if I come, I will declare the things he does, scoffing on us with malicious words. And he is not content with that. Not only does he himself not receive the brethren, he also forbids those who would, and thrusts them out of the congregation.

¹¹ Beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does well is of God, but he who does evil does not see God.

¹² Demetrius has a good report from all men, and from the truth. Yea and we ourselves also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.

¹³ I have many things to write, but I do not wish to write with ink and pen to you. ¹⁴ For I trust I will shortly see you, and we shall speak mouth to mouth.

¹⁵ Peace be with you.

The friends send you greetings.
Greet the friends
by name.