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

The Elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth:

2 D ear 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.

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

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

For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth.

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

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Gaius Commended for Generosity

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

Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,

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

who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,

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

because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

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

We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth. Diotrephes and Demetrius

9 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.

I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.

10 S o 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.

Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

11 D ear 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.

Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

12 E veryone 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.

Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. Farewell Greeting

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

I had many things to write, but I do not wish to write to you with pen and ink;

14 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.

but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face. Peace to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.