|
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.
2 Beloved, I wish that thou mayest prosper in all things, and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and bare testimony of the truth which is in thee, according as thou walkest in truth*.
4 I have no greater joy than in these things, to hear that my children walk in truth*.
5 Beloved, thou doest faithfully, whatsoever thou doest to the brethren and to strangers;
6 who have borne testimony of thy love before the church: whom if thou conduct on their journey in a manner worthy of God, thou wilt do well.
7 For* they went forth for the name of God, taking nothing from the gentiles.
8 We ought therefore to receive such; that we may be fellow-labourers for the truth.
9 I would have written to the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not.
10 Wherefore, if I come, I will call to remembrance his deeds which he doeth, tattling against us with evil words: and, not content herewith, he receiveth not the brethren himself, and forbiddeth those that would, and casteth them out of the church.
11 Beloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good, is of God: but he that doeth evil, hath not seen God.
12 Demetrius hath a good testimony from all men, and from the truth itself: and we also bear him testimony; and ye know that our testimony is true.
13 I had many things to write; yet I will not write to thee with ink and pen:
14 but I hope that I shall shortly see thee, when we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.
|