1
The elder, to Gaios, the beloved, whom I love in truth.
2
Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in health, just as your being prospers.
3
For I rejoiced greatly when brothers came and testified concerning your truth— how you walk in truth.
4
I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.
5
Beloved, you act faithfully in whatever you do for the brothers, even though they are strangers.
6
They testified before the assembly concerning your love. You shall do well to send them forward in a manner worthy of Elohim.
7
For on behalf of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the nations.
8
Therefore we are obligated to receive such men, so that we may become fellow workers for the truth.
9
I wrote something to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not receive us.
10
Because of this, if I come, I shall call attention to the works he is doing— speaking against us with malicious words. And not being satisfied with these things, he himself does not receive the brothers, and those desiring to receive them he prevents and casts out of the assembly.
11
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is from Elohim. The one who does evil has not seen Elohim.
12
Demetrios has received testimony from everyone and from the truth itself. And we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.
13
I had many things to write to you, but I do not desire to write them to you with ink and reed.
14
But I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face. Shalom to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.