1From the elder, to the dearly loved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2Dear friend, I pray above all things that you may do well and be in good health, just as your soul is doing well.
3I was very glad when the brothers came and told about the truth that is in you, and how you walk in the truth.
4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
5Dear friend, you act faithfully in all you do for the brothers, and for strangers too.
6They have spoken before the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their journey in a way worthy of God.
7For they went out for the sake of his name, and took nothing from the Gentiles.
8So we ought to welcome such people, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
9I wrote to the church. But Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, will not receive us.
10So if I come, I will call to mind the things he does. He talks against us with spiteful words. And he is not satisfied with that: he refuses to welcome the brothers himself, and he stops those who want to, and puts them out of the church.
11Dear friend, do not follow what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is from God, but the one who does evil has not seen God.
12Everyone speaks well of Demetrius, and the truth itself speaks well of him. We also speak well of him, and you know that what we say is true.
13I had many things to write, but I will not write to you with ink and pen.
14I hope to see you soon, and we shall speak face to face.
15Peace be to you. Our friends send you greetings. Greet the friends by name.