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3 John

Greeting to Gaius from the Elder

1 The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in [the] truth: 2 Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul {also} prospers. 3 For I was overjoyed [when the] brothers came and testified about your devotion to the truth, in [which] you continue to walk. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear [that] my children are walking in the truth.

Gaius Commended for His Hospitality

5 Beloved, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, and [especially since] they are strangers [to you] . 6 [They] have testified to [the] church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out on behalf of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such [men] , so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9 I have written to the church [about this] , but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not accept our [instruction] . 10 So if I come, I will call attention to [his] malicious slander [against] us. And unsatisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers and forbids those who want to do so, even putting [them] out of the church. 11 Beloved, {do} not imitate what [is] evil, but what [is] good. The [one who] does good is of God; the [one who] does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and from the truth itself. We also testify [for him] , and you know that our testimony is true.

Conclusion

13 I have many things to write you, but I would prefer not [to do so] with pen and ink. 14 Instead, I hope to see you soon and speak [face] to [face] . Peace to you. The friends [ here ] send you greetings. Greet [each of our] friends [there] by name.