A Greeting from the Elder
(2 John 1:1–3)

1The PRESBYTER to my dear Gaius, whom I truly love.

2I wish, my beloved, you may be as prosperous with regard to your health and other circumstances, as in what concerns your soul. 3For I was greatly pleased when the brethren came and assured me of your fidelity and religious conduct. 4greater joy I cannot have, than to hear that my children are attach'd to the truth.

Gaius Commended for Hospitality

5My dear child, whatever you do in behalf of the brethren, and of those who are strangers, is commendable. 6they have made a publick declaration of your charity, and you will do well to accompany them in the most effectual manner. 7for they set out upon account of the gospel, and refus'd to take any thing of the Gentiles. 8it behoves us to give a kind reception to such, that we may be assistant in promoting the truth.

Diotrephes and Demetrius

9I have writ to the church: but Diotrephes, who affects the superiority, has no regard to our representations. 10for which reason, when I come, I shall animadvert upon his conduct, and the malicious aspersions he casts upon us: not contented with this, he will neither receive the brethren himself, nor suffer those who are better inclin'd, to do it; but drives them out of the church.

11my beloved, don't imitate vice, but virtue, he that does good, is a child of God: he that does evil, is not acquainted with God. 12Demetrius has the applauses of all men, and the testimony of his own virtue: we likewise certify in his behalf, and you know that our testimonial deserves credit.

Conclusion
(2 John 1:12–13)

13I have many things to write, which I don't think fit to commit to paper and ink:

14hoping I shall shortly see you, and then communicate them in person.