OF JOHN III
[1] THE ELDER to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.
[2] Beloved, I pray that in all things thou prosper and be in health, even as thy :soul prospereth. [3] For I rejoiced1 greatly when brethren came and witnessed to thy :truth, even as thou walkest in truth. [4] Greater grace have I none than these things, to hear of my :children walking in the truth.
[5] Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward the brethren and strangers withal; [6] who witnessed to thy :love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of :God: [7] because that for the Name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. [8] We therefore ought to welcome :such, that we become fellow-workers for2 the truth.
[9] I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephēs, who loveth pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Therefore, 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 out of the church.
[11] Beloved, imitate not :evil, but :good. Who doeth good is of :God: who doeth evil hath not seen :God. [12] Demetrius hath the witness of all, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness; and thou knowest that our :witness is true.
[13] I had many things to write thee, but I am unwilling to write thee with ink and pen: [14] but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face.3 Peace to thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.