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

The church leader writes to the much-loved Gaius. I love you because of the truth.

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

Dear friend, I pray that you are doing well in every way. I pray that your body is strong and well even as your soul is.

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

I was very happy when some Christians came and told me about how you are following the truth.

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

I can have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.

5 B eloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

Dear friend, you are doing a good work by being kind to the Christians, and for sure, to the strangers.

6 W hich 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:

They have told the church about your love. It will be good for you to help them on their way as God would have you.

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

These people are working for the Lord. They are taking nothing from the people who do not know God.

8 W e therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

So we should help such people. That way we will be working with them as they teach the truth.

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

I wrote a letter to the church. But Diotrephes wants to be the leader and put himself first. He will have nothing to do with us.

10 W herefore, 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.

So if I come, I will show what he is doing by the bad things he is saying about us. Not only that, he will not take the Christian brothers into his home. He keeps others from doing it also. When they do, he puts them out of the church.

11 B eloved, 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.

Dear friend, do not follow what is sinful, but follow what is good. The person who does what is good belongs to God. The person who does what is sinful has not seen God.

12 D emetrius 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.

Everyone speaks good things about Demetrius. The truth itself speaks for him. We say the same thing also and you know we are speaking the truth.

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

I have much to write about but I do not want to write it in this letter.

14 B ut 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.

I hope to see you soon and then we can talk together. May you have peace. The friends here greet you. Greet each friend there by name.