The first Chapter.
The senior unto the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Wellbeloved I wish in all things that thou prosperedest and faredest
well, even as thy soul prospereth. I rejoiced greatly when the brethren
came and testified of the truth that is in thee, how thou in troth
walkest. I have no greater joy than for to hear how that my sons walk
in verity.
Derely beloved thou dost faithfully what soever thou doest to the
brethren, and to strangers, which bare witness of thy love before all
the congregation. Which brethren when thou bringest forwards on their
journey (as it beseemeth God) thou shalt do well: because that for his
name's sake they went forth, and took nothing of the gentiles. We
therefore ought to receive such, that we also might be helpers to the
truth.
I wrote unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to have the
preeminence among them, receiveth us not, wherefore if I come I will
declare his deeds which he doeth jesting on us with malicious words,
neither is therewith content. Not only he himself receiveth not the
brethren: but also he forbiddeth them that would, and thrusteth them
out of the congregation.
Derely beloved counterfeit not that which is evil, but that which is
good: He that doeth well is of God: but he that doeth evil seeth not
God. Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth. Yee and
we ourselves also bear record, and ye know that our record is true. I
have many things to write: But I will not with pen and ink write unto
thee. For I trust I shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be with thee. The
lovers salute thee. Greet the lovers by name.