Chapter 1
The elder unto the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, thou do faithfully whatsoever thou do to the brethren, and to 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 shall do well: 7 Because that for His name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.
9 I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not. 10 Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
13 I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: 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.
