The Third Letter of John

The elder to Gaius the most beloved, whom I love in the truth.

2 Most beloved, above all I wish you to be prosperous and healthy, as your soul has prospered. 3 For I rejoiced much at the coming of the brothers and those who bear witness of your truths, as you walk in the truth. 4 Greater joy than this I do not have, than that I may hear of my sons walking in the truth.

5 Most beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do in the brothers, and in strangers, 6 who give witness of your love in the sight of the community, whom if you send forth in a manner worthy of God, you will do well. 7 For because of his name they went forth, receiving nothing from the people. 8 We therefore should receive such, that we may become co-workers of the truth.

9 I wrote something to the community, but Diotrephes, who likes to be the most important of them, does not receive us. 10 Because of this, if I should come, I will remember the deeds which he does, spreading malicious words of gossip about us, and if that were not enough, not only does not receive the brothers, but even those who would receive he prohibits, and expels them from the community.

11 Most beloved, do not imitate what is bad, but what is good. Whoever does good is from God; but whoever does evil, does not see God. 12 Demetrius has been witnessed by everyone, and by truth itself; and we also bear witness, and you people know that our witness is true.

13 I have had many things to write to you, but I will not write to you by pen and ink. 14 But I hope soon to see you, and we will speak one mouth to another. 15 Peace to you. The friends greet you; greet the friends by name.