Greeting to Gaius from the Elder

1The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.

Gaius' Faithfulness Brings Great Joy

3For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth.

4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

5Beloved, you do faithfully whatsoever you do for the brethren, and for strangers;

6Who have borne witness of your love before the church: whom if you send forward on their journey in a godly manner, you shall do well:

7Because for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

8We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, receives us not.

10Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he does, speaking against us with malicious words: and not content with that, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and forbids them that would, and casts them out of the church.

11Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that does good is of God: but he that does evil has not seen God.

12Demetrius has good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear witness; and you know that our witness is true.

Final Greeting

13I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto you:

14But I trust I shall shortly see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.