1The elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health , even as thy soul prospereth . 3For I rejoiced greatly , when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth. 4Greater joy have I none than this , to hear of my children walking in the truth.
Commendation for Faithfulness
5Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal; 6who bare witness to thy love before the church : whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God : 7because that for the sake of the Name they went forth , taking nothing of the Gentiles . 8We therefore ought to welcome such , that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.
Warning Against Diotrephes
9I wrote somewhat unto the church : but Diotrephes , who loveth to have the preeminence among them , receiveth us not . 10Therefore , if I come , I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth , prating against us with wicked words : and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren , and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church . 11Beloved, imitate not that which is evil , but that which is good . He that doeth good is of God : he that doeth evil hath not seen God .
Encouragement to Imitate Good
12Demetrius hath the witness of all men , and of the truth itself: yea , we also bear witness ; and thou knowest that our witness is true .
Conclusion and Final Greetings
13I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen : 14but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face . Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.