1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth:

2Beloved, I personally am praying for you, that in all respects you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul is prospering. 3For I rejoiced exceedingly at the coming of the brethren who testified of you in the truth, even how you are walking in truth. 4I do not have any greater joy than these testimonies that I am hearing--that my children are walking in truth.

5Beloved, you are faithfully practicing whatever you have been doing for the brethren and for strangers, 6Who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God; 7Because for the sake of His name they went forth preaching, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8For this cause, we are personally obligated to receive those who do such service, in order that we may be fellow workers in the truth.

9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, the one who loves to be chief among them, does not accept us. 10Because of this very thing, if I come, I will call him to account for the actions that he is practicing with evil words-- maliciously berating us; and he is not satisfied with these things, for he himself neither receives the brethren, nor does he permit those who wish to receive the brethren, but he forbids them and casts them out of the church.

11Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil; rather, imitate that which is good. The one who practices good is of God; but the one who practices evil has not seen God. 12We have received testimony from everyone on behalf of Demetrius, and from the truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you know that our witness is true.

13I had many things to write, but now I will not write them with ink and pen;

14For I hope to see you shortly, and I will speak with you face to face. [15] Peace be to you. Our friends salute you. Salute the friends by name.