1The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius , whom I love in the truth . 2Beloved , I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health , even as thy soul prospereth . 3For I rejoiced greatly , when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee , even as thou walkest in the truth . 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth .
Commendation for Faithfulness
5Beloved , thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren , and to strangers ; 6Which 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 : 7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth , taking nothing of the Gentiles . 8We therefore ought to receive such , that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth .
Warning Against Diotrephes
9I wrote unto the church : but Diotrephes , who loveth to have the preeminence among them , receiveth us not . 10Wherefore , 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 . 11Beloved , 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 .
Encouragement to Imitate Good
12Demetrius 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 .
Conclusion and Final Greetings
13I had many things to write , but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee : 14But 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 .