3 John 1

3 John 1:1

Greeting

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

3 John 1:2

Beloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1:3

For I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

3 John 1:4

Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

3 John 1:5

Instructions to Gaius

Beloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

3 John 1:6

who bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

3 John 1:7

because that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

3 John 1:9

Diotrephes Causes Trouble

I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

3 John 1:10

Therefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.

3 John 1:11

Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

3 John 1:12

Demetrius Commended

Demetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true.

3 John 1:13

Conclusion and Final Greeting

I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:

3 John 1:14

but I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.