1 T he elder unto Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

The elderly elder to the beloved (esteemed) Gaius, whom I truly love.

2 B eloved, I pray that in all things thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and may keep well, even as your soul keeps well and prospers.

3 F or I rejoiced greatly, when brethren came and bare witness unto thy truth, even as thou walkest in truth.

In fact, I greatly rejoiced when the brethren from time to time arrived and spoke of the sincerity and fidelity of your life, as indeed you do live in the Truth.

4 G reater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are living their lives in the Truth.

5 B eloved, thou doest a faithful work in whatsoever thou doest toward them that are brethren and strangers withal;

Beloved, it is a fine and faithful work that you are doing when you give any service to the brethren, and strangers.

6 w ho bare witness to thy love before the church: whom thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God:

They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey in a way worthy of God’s.

7 b ecause that for the sake of the Name they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles.

For these have gone out for the Name’s sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites).

8 W e therefore ought to welcome such, that we may be fellow-workers for the truth.

So we ourselves ought to support such people, in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.

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

I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me.

10 T herefore, if I come, I will bring to remembrance his works which he doeth, prating against us with wicked words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and them that would he forbiddeth and casteth them out of the church.

So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing, his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church.

11 B eloved, imitate not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: he that doeth evil hath not seen God.

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God.

12 D emetrius hath the witness of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, we also bear witness: and thou knowest that our witness is true.

Demetrius has warm commendation from everyone—and from the Truth itself; we add our testimony also, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write unto thee, but I am unwilling to write them to thee with ink and pen:

I had much to write, but I prefer not to put it down with pen (a reed) and ink;

14 b ut I hope shortly to see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be unto thee. The friends salute thee. Salute the friends by name.

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk together face to face. Peace be to you! (Good-bye!) The friends here send you greetings. Remember me to the friends there by name.