1•1The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

•2Beloved, I pray for you to be prospering in every [way] and to keep being healthy, just as your soul is prospering. •3For I greatly rejoiced when [some of the] brothers came and testified to the truth [seen] in you, just as you are walking in the truth. •4I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

•5Beloved, you are doing faithfully in whatever work you do for the brothers, and this to strangers, •6who have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to assist them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. •7For they have gone out on behalf of the Name, taking nothing from the pagans. •8Therefore we ought to keep supporting such [people], that we may be fellow workers in the truth.

•9I have written something to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to be first among them, does not accept us. •10Because of this, if I come, I will bring up his works which he is doing, talking nonsense about us with evil words. And not content with these things, he does not accept the brothers [himself], and those who want to, he forbids [them to] and throws [them] out of the church.

•11Beloved, do not be imitating that which is evil but that which is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God. •12Demetrius has been well testified to by everyone, and by the truth¹ itself; and we also testify [to him], and you know our testimony is true.

•13I had many things to write to you, but I do not wish to write you with ink and pen; •14rather I am hoping to see you in the immediate [future] and we shall speak face to face.²

•15Peace [be] to you. The friends greet you. Keep greeting the friends by name.