THE elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2Beloved, concerning all things I pray that thou mayest prosper and be in health, as thy soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bore witness to thy truth, as thou walkest in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

5Beloved, thou doest a faithful thing, in whatever thou doest to the brethren, and that to strangers, 6who bore witness to thy love before the church; whom if thou send forward on their journey worthily of God, thou wilt do well; 7for on behalf of the NAME they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to sustain such persons, that we may become fellow-workers for the truth.

9I wrote somewhat to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to have the pre-eminence among them, receives us not. 10Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his deeds which he does, prating against us with evil words. And not content therewith, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and those who are willing he forbids, and casts them out of the church.

11Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He that does good, is of God; he that does evil, has not seen God.

12To Demetrius, testimony has been borne by all, and by the truth itself; yea, we also bear witness, and thou knowest that our witness is true.

13I had many things to write to thee, but I wish not to write to thee with ink and pen; 14but I hope immediately to see thee, and we shall speak face to face.

Peace be to thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends, by name.