3 John 1

1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

This letter comes from the elder to Gaius, my dear friend, whom I love in the truth.

2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

My friend, I pray most of all that you're doing well and are in good physical health, for I know you're doing well spiritually.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

I was delighted when some fellow-believers arrived and told me about your commitment to the truth, and how you continue living in the truth.

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Nothing makes me happier than to hear how my dear friends are following the truth.

5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

My friend, you show you are trustworthy in what you're doing by looking after the brothers, even those you don't know.

6 Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

They have spoken well about your love in front of the church. Please be so kind as to send them on their journey in a way that God would appreciate,

7 Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

for they are traveling in his name, not accepting anything from non-believers.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

We ought to support them so we can share together in the truth.

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

I did write about this to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves being in charge, refuses to accept our authority.

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.

So if I do visit, I will make it clear what he's been doing. He's been making malicious accusations against us. Not satisfied with doing that, he refuses to welcome any other brothers. He won't let anyone else welcome them either, and throws those who do so 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.

My friend, don't imitate what is evil, but what is good. Those who do what's good belong to God; those who do evil don't know 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.

Everyone speaks well of Demetrius—and the truth does so too! We also speak well of him, and you know we tell the truth.

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

I have so much to say to you, but I don't want to do it in writing with pen and ink.

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.

I hope to see you soon so we can talk face to face. May peace be with you! The friends here send their greetings to you. Please personally greet our friends there by name.