3 John 1

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

The Elder to the beloved Gaius, 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.

I pray that you may prosper, beloved, in every way, and be in good health, even as your soul is prospering.

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.

For I was glad when brothers came and bore testimony to your truth, as indeed you are passing your life in truth.

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

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are passing their lives in the truth.

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

You are acting faithfully, beloved, in whatever you are doing for the brothers and the strangers.

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 borne testimony to your love before the church. You will do well to speed them on their way worthily of God;

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

since for the sake of the Name they have started out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

Hence we ought to support such, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

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

I have written somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who love to take the lead among them, does not receive me.

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.

Do them when I come I will recall to mind the deeds which he is doing, prating against me with wicked words. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive the brothers, forbids those that would receive them, and excommunicates them from 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.

Do not imitate what is evil, beloved, but that which is good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has never gazed on 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.

All men bear testimony to Demetrius, and so does the truth itself. I also bear testimony to him; and you know that my testimony is true.

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

I have a great deal to write to you, but I do not want to write you 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 am hoping soon to see you, and then we shall talk face to face. Peace be to you! The friends send their salutation. Salute the friends by name.