Salutation

11 The elder to the beloved Gaius , whom I love in truth . 2 Beloved , I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health , just as your soul prospers .

3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth , that is, how you are walking in truth . 4 I have no greater joy than [1]this , to hear of my children walking in the truth .

Gaius' Hospitality Commended

5 Beloved , you are acting faithfully in whatever e you accomplish for the brethren , and [2]especially when they are strangers ; 6 and they have testified to your love before the church . You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God . 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name , accepting nothing from the Gentiles . 8 Therefore we ought to [3]support such men , so that we may [4]be fellow workers [5]with the truth .

The Opposition of Diotrephes

9 I wrote something to the church ; but Diotrephes , who loves to be first among them, does not accept [6]what we say . 10 For this reason , if I come , I will call attention to his deeds which he does , unjustly accusing us with wicked words ; and not satisfied with this , he himself does not receive the brethren , either , and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church .

The Good Report concerning Demetrius

11 Beloved , do not imitate what is evil , but what is good . The one who does good is of God ; the one who does evil has not seen God .

12 Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone , and from the truth itself ; and we add our testimony , and you know that our testimony is true .

Final Greetings

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am not willing to write them to you with pen and ink ; 14 but I hope to see you shortly , and we will speak face to face . 15 Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name .