3 John 1

1 The elder, to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. [a] 2 Beloved, concerning all things I pray that you may prosper and be in health, just as your soul prospers. [b] 3 For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified to your truth, just as you walk in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than these things: to hear that my children are walking in the truth. [c]

5 Beloved, you are doing a faithful thing in whatever you work for the brothers, and this for strangers, [d] 6 who testified to your love before a gathering. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God; [e] 7 for they went out for the sake of the Name, taking nothing from the people of the nations. [f] 8 So we ought to support such people, so that we may become fellow workers with the truth. [g]

9 I wrote something to the gathering; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not welcome us. [h] 10 Because of this, if I come, I will bring to mind the works he is doing, talking nonsense against us with evil words; and not satisfied with these, he does not welcome the brothers himself, and he stops those who want to and throws them out of the gathering. [i]

11 Beloved, do not imitate the bad but the good. The one who does good is from God; the one who does bad has not seen God. [j] 12 Demetrius has been testified to by all, and by the truth itself; and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true. [k]

13 I had many things to write to you, but I do not want to write to you with ink and reed; [l] 14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak mouth to mouth. 15 Peace to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name. [m]