3 John Chapter 1
Greeting
1 The elder to Gaius, the beloved, whom I love in truth:
2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth.
In Praise of Gaius' Hospitality
5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers,
6 who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God, so that they may continue their journey.
7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
8 We, therefore, ought to welcome such people, so that we may work together for the truth.
Diotrephes' opposition
9 I have written to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not acknowledge our authority.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious gossip about us. Not only that, but he refuses to welcome the brothers and sisters. He even stops those who want to welcome them and puts them out of the church.
Good testimony about Demetrius
11 Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God; but he who does evil has not seen God.
12 Everyone testifies about Demetrius, and even the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
Final greetings
13 I had many things to write to you, but I don’t want to write them with pen and ink,
14 because I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
15 Peace be with you. The friends send you their greetings. Greet them, each one by name.