The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I
love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou
mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
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 have no greater joy than to hear that my
children walk in truth.
Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever
thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;
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:
Because that for his name's sake they went
forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.
We therefore ought to receive such, that we
might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who
loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
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.
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.
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.
I had many things to write, but I will not
with ink and pen write unto thee:
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.