Copyright Notice

CHAPTER 1

The elder unto the beloved Gaius, whom I truly love. Beloved, I pray that in every respect thou mayest prosper and be in health, as thy soul prospereth.

For I rejoiced greatly when the brethren came, and testified of the truth that is in thee, as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children walk in the truth. Beloved, thou dost faithfully whatsoever thou dost to the brethren, and to strangers, who have testified of thy love before the church; Whom if thou send forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well. For they went forth for his sake, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We ought, therefore, to receive such, that we may be fellow helpers to the truth. I wrote to the church; but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his wicked 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 is a doer of good, is of God; he that is a doer of evil, hath not seen God. Demetrius hath a good testimony from all men, and from the truth itself: yea, we also bear testimony, and ye know that our testimony is true.

I had many things to write; but I will not write to thee with ink and pen. But I trust to see thee shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.