1The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth. 2Beloved, I pray that in all things you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. 3For I rejoiced greatly, when brothers came and bore witness to your truth, even as you walk in truth. 4I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 5Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you do toward those who are brothers and strangers as well; 6who bore witness to your love before the assembly: whom you will do well to send forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God: 7because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth. 9I wrote something to the assembly: but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. 10Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he does, prating against us with wicked words: and not content with this, neither does he himself receive the brothers, and those who would, he forbids and casts them out of the assembly. 11Beloved, do not imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. He who does good is of God: he who does evil has not seen God. 12Demetrius has the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: indeed, we also bear witness; and you know that our witness is true. 13I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write them to you with ink and pen: 14but I hope shortly to see you, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.