1 The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth:
2 Beloved, I wish chiefly that you prosper and fare well as your soul prospers.
3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you; how you walk in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than these: to hear that my sons walk in truth.
5 Beloved, you faithfully do whatever you do for the brother and for strangers;
6 who bore witness of your love before the churches. If you bring them on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you shall do well.
7 Because, they went forth for His Name’s sake and took nothing from the Gentiles.
8 Therefore, we ought to receive such, so that we might be helpers to the Truth.
9 I wrote to the church. But Diotrephes (who loves to have the pre-eminence among them) will not receive us.
10 Therefore, if I come, I will remind you of his deeds which he does - prattling against us with malicious words - and not content with this, he not only does not receive the brothers himself, but forbids those who would and thrusts them out of the church.
11 Beloved, do not follow that which is evil, but that which is good. The one who does well is of God. But the one who does evil has not seen God.
12 Demetrius has good report of all, and of the truth itself. Indeed, and we ourselves bear witness. And you know that our witness is true.
13 I have many things to write. But I will not write to you with ink and pen.
14 For I trust I shall shortly see you. And we shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be with you. The friends salute you. Greet your friends by name.