[1] The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth: [2] Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, even as your soul is well. [3] For I greatly rejoiced when brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. [5] Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and for strangers, [6] who have testified of your love before the church. You will do well to send them along on their journey in a manner worthy of God. [7] For His name's sake they went out, receiving no help from the Gentiles. [8] Therefore we ought to receive such men, that we might be fellow workers for the truth. [9] I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to put himself first among them, did not accept us. [10] Because of this, if I come, I will bring up what kinds of works he does: ranting against us with malicious words. Not content with that, he does not accept the brothers, and stops those who want to, and throws them out of the church. [11] Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. Whoever does good is from God, but whoever does evil has not seen God. [12] Demetrius receives good reports from everyone and from the truth itself. Yes, and we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true. [13] I had many things to write, but I would rather not write to you with pen and ink. [14] Instead, I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
