John's Third Letter

The elder, to my dearest Gaius, whom I love in truth:

Dear loved one, I wish you to be successful and healthy in all things, just like your [spiritual] life is successful. I rejoiced greatly when some brothers came and testified to your truth, as you are walking in truth. I have no joy greater than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.

Dear loved one, you are demonstrating faithfulness when you work for the brothers--and in this case, for strangers! They testified of your love before the church, and you would do well to help them on their mission in a way that is worthy before God, because they have gone out on behalf of that name, taking nothing from the nations. So we ought to take in such [missionaries], that we may be fellow workers in the truth.

I wrote something to the church, but Diotrophes (who loves to be preeminent over them) would not receive us. Because of this, when I come, I will remind him of the the things he did: spreading rumors about us with evil words. And as if that were not enough, he will not receive the brothers. He even prevents the brothers who are willing [to receive them] from doing so and throws them out of the church.

Dear loved one, do not imitate evil; [imitate] good. Whoever does good is from God. Whoever does evil has not seen God. This has been testified of Demetrius by everyone (and the truth itself). We also testify of it, and you know that our testimony is true.

I had many things to write to you, but I did not want to do so through ink and pen. But I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.

Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.