3 John 1:1-14
1 The older man*+ to Gaʹius, the beloved, whom I truly love.*+
2 Beloved+ one, I pray that in all things you may be prospering*+ and having good health,+ just as your soul is prospering.+
3 For I rejoiced very much* when brothers came* and bore witness to the truth you hold, just as you go on walking in the truth.+
4 No greater cause for thankfulness do I have than these things, that I should be hearing that my children go on walking in the truth.+
5 Beloved one, you are doing a faithful work in whatever you do for the brothers,+ and strangers at that,+
6 who have borne witness to your love before the congregation. These you will please* send on their way in a manner worthy of God.+
7 For it was in behalf of [his]* name that they went forth, not taking anything+ from the people of the nations.
8 We, therefore, are under obligation to receive such persons hospitably,+ that we may become fellow workers in the truth.*+
9 I wrote something to the congregation, but Di·otʹre·phes, who likes to have the first place*+ among them, does not receive anything+ from us with respect.+
10 That is why, if I come, I will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing,+ chattering about us with wicked words.+ Also, not being content* with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers+ with respect, and those who are wanting to receive+ them he tries* to hinder+ and to throw out+ of the congregation.
11 Beloved one, be an imitator, not of what is bad, but of what is good.+ He that does good originates with God.+ He that does bad has not seen God.+
12 De·meʹtri·us has had witness borne to him by them all+ and by the truth itself. In fact, we, also, are bearing witness,+ and you know that the witness we give is true.+
13 I had many things to write you, yet I do not wish to go on writing you with ink and pen.*+
14 But I am hoping to see you directly, and we shall speak face to face.*+
May you have peace.+
The friends send you their greetings.+ Give my greetings+ to the friends by name.
Footnotes
^ Or, “I love in the truth.”
^ Or, “elder.” Gr., pre·sbyʹte·ros.
^ Lit., “to make one’s way well.”
^ Lit., “excessively.”
^ “Came.” Gr., er·kho·meʹnon, referring to a past coming.
^ Or, “you will do well to.”
^ Or, “the.”
^ Or, “become workers with the truth.”
^ Lit., “the (one) liking to be first.”
^ Lit., “not being satisfied.”
^ Or, “continues; makes it his practice.”
^ Lit., “reed.”
^ Lit., “mouth toward mouth.”
