Chapter 1

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

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

  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  

  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.  

  Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;  

  Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:  

  Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.  

  We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.  

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

  Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth [them] out of the church.  

  Beloved, follow 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.  

  Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.  

  I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:  

  But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace [be] to thee. [Our] friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.