3 John 1

1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

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

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

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 brothers came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in 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 this: to hear about my children walking in truth.

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

5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and 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 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God,

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 for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

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

9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn’t accept what we say.

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

10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, he doesn’t receive the brothers himself, and those who would, he forbids and throws out of the assembly.

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, don’t imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God. He who does evil hasn’t 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 has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony 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 to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

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 hope to see you soon. Then we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. 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.