1 The elder to Gaius, the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, above all I pray that you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul is prospering.
3 For I was overjoyed when brothers arrived and bore witness to your truth, to how you are walking in the truth.
4 Greater joy I have none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.
5 Beloved, you are doing a faithful work in all you do for the brothers and for strangers,
6 who have testified to your love in the presence of the church; you will do well if you speed them on their journey worthily of God.
7 for it was for his name's sake that they went out, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 So we ought to take up such men, that we may become co-workers with the truth.
9 I wrote to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to hold the first place among them, does not receive us.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to the works he does, prating against us with evil words; and not being satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and casts out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not copy what is bad but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does bad has not seen God.
12 To Demetrius witness has been borne by all, and by the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I do not want to write them to you with ink and pen.
14 I hope to see you very soon, and we will talk mouth to mouth. Peace to you. The friends send you greetings. Greet the friends, each by name.